Walter Douglas Porter

Walter Douglas Porter, age 72, of Urbana, affectionately called Papa and Uncle Dougie, made his transition from this life to the next on February 9th, 2016. He was born in Urbana, Ohio on October 17, 1943 to Anabelle and Walter Porter, who preceded him in death. Doug was educated at Urbana High School, where he graduated in 1962. He was drafted into the US Army in 1968, where he was a military police during the Vietnam War. Doug was also a Master Barber for 40 years. He attended Beauty School for a year. During the 60s, he started a chapter of the Black Panthers in Urbana. He retired from International Harvester in 2003, and he was also a Mason. Doug was also very proud of earning his pilot's license in the 1980s. Doug leaves to mourn his wife Mitzi of 34 years; sons, Michael Reeves, and Christopher (Becky) Reeves; grandchildren Tasha McNeely and her two daughters Payla and Ayona, Aaron Reeves, and Camille Reeves; his older sister, Lois (Norman) Minney; brothers, Herb (Michelle) Porter, Albert (Carlin) Porter; and his younger sister Jannine Manual; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and of course many friends. Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 231 Washington Ave, Urbana) from 1:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. where a memorial mass will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Father Larry Gearhart officiating. Contributions may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church or to the Alzheimers Association Miami Valley Chapter (31 W. Whipp Rd. Dayton, OH 45459). Services are in the care of WALTER & STOWE FUNERAL HOME. Condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.walterfunerals.com. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Just caught a word that Doug Porter (Uncle Dougie) passed away. Man... this man was amazing. He fought for his country during Vietnam. Made a stand for his people. Loved his wife and kids. And the list could go on and on. Most importantly for me, he and his wife showed me love when I was at my most unlovable. He will be missed by many I know. I remember years ago, I wrote him a poem. I don't have a copy of it, but I remember the title, and the theme still remains in my heart. Here it is in remembrance of a wonderful man. "If Uncle Dougie Ruled the World" If Uncle Dougie Ruled the world, It'd be a much better place For every boy and girl Instead of fighting We'd all make love Instead of war We'd love even more Hate and racism Would halt and cease Life would be... Love and peace. Folks would come from all around To gather wisdom From the coolest barber in town Crewcut or fade It wouldn't matter You'd come out looking sharp From all the chatter Kings and queens Would gather at the garage To get an oil change Free of charge Though he may be gone He's always near In the heart and soul Of those who loved him dear So today I'll pray To Heaven above For God to hold him close And to give him love Until the end of time It'll be on my mind Even if I went deaf Dumb, and blind Oh, what a wonderful place It would be Our eyes wide open So that we can see A better place For every boy And every girl If Uncle Dougie... Ruled the World R.I.P. Uncle Dougie -Written by Matthew Brown