A great man, a loving husband, the perfect Daddy, a caring brother & son, a proud and doting PaPaw, a supportive father-in-law, a witty uncle, the “wordy” conversationalist, a loyal friend and neighbor are just a few ways to describe Leland Marion Porch.
Born March 21, 1936 in Mansfield, Ohio to Marion and Edith (Swendal) Porch, Leland lived his entire life in Mansfield. In his younger years, Lee had a passion for cars and racing around the Mansfield square where he first met the love of his life, Lavalla “Sue” Reiter. Lee and Sue were married September 12, 1958. They enjoyed over 57 years of marriage. He retired from General Motors in 1990 after 33 years of employment as a press operator.
Leland is survived by his wife Sue and their 5 daughters, Becky Porch and her fiancé Tom Dugan, Kim and John Berger, Vicky and John Mergel, Kristina and Roger Nelson and Lori and Jamie Gobble. Leland was blessed with 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Also surviving are his brother David (Paula) Porch, sister-in-law Diane Reiter, brother-in-law Charles (Barbara) Reiter and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, mother-in-law Gertrude Phipps, brother-in-law Fred Reiter, sister-in-law Kay, and her husband Lawerence Salyers.
Lee will be remembered by many friends. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting, fishing and trips to Canada and Wisconsin. Turkey hunting became his passion in later years. He loved BIG 10 football, listening to classical music and reminiscing with family and friends about the “good old days”. He had a great sense of humor and could be quite ornery at times. He adored his daughters and worked hard to provide for and to spoil them. After months of loving care from his devoted wife, Lee passed peacefully on December 3, 2014, at his residence with his family surrounding him, comforting him and cheering him “home”.
Til we meet again Daddy!
Calling hours will be Sunday, Dec. 7, 2014 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at The Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. Funeral service will be on Monday, December 8 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank Hospice of North Central Ohio and HomeCare Matters Home Health Care and Hospice of Galion. Memorial contributions may be made to either of those organizations or Macular Degeneration Research at 22512 Gateway Center Drive, Clarksburg, MD 20871.
Online guest registry at www.wappner.com
