Harold Wayne Porter
Passed: November 26, 2017
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Harold Wayne Porter
Passed: November 26, 2017
Obituary
Harold Wayne Porter, 87, of Litchfield Park, AZ passed away November 26, 2017. He was born in Higden, Arkansas on February 3, 1930 to Mitchell and Oneta Porter. He is survived by his sons, Darryl Wayne Porter and Curtis Wayne Porter (Kerri); grandchildren, Dominique (Justin) Unverzagt, Samantha Porter, and Curtis Grant Porter; great granddaughter, Anastasia Unverzagt; and brother, Dewey Porter of Scottsdale, AZ. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Jean Porter and his sister, Doris Ahrens of Kansas City, KS.
Following graduation from Arizona State University, Mr. Porter served two years in the United States Air Force followed by 28 years in the Air Force reserves, retiring as a colonel. He spent 36 years in education including 24 years as superintendent of Agua Fria Union High School District (1966 – 1990). This was followed by 16 years as Executive Director of the Arizona School Administrators Association, (ASA). The executive board named the association office building the Harold W. Porter ASA office building. While superintendent of Agua Fria, Mr. Porter was elected to serve as President of the AASA Century Club, (the membership was comprised of two superintendents from each state.) In college Mr. Porter was Vice President of the student body, President of the Blue Key National Honorary fraternity and played baseball. He was a member of the ROTC and Delta Chi fraternity. He was selected by the alumni association to chair the “52” class reunion.
During Harold’s leadership roles as a school principal, superintendent and association executive director he enjoyed unconditional support from his loving wife Barbara. Barbara taught for 34 years, the last 22 at Litchfield Elementary. This was followed by six years at Grand Canyon College; together they gave 86 years to education.
A visitation will be held from 6:45 – 9:00 pm, Friday, December 1, 2017 at Thompson Funeral Chapel, 926 S. Litchfield Road, Goodyear, AZ 85338. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 am, Friday, December 15, 2017 at The Church at Litchfield Park, 300 N Old Litchfield Rd, Litchfield Park, AZ 85340.
7 responses to Harold Wayne Porter
Art Atonna says:
November 29, 2017
My condolences to the entire Porter family. Harold was a thoughtful member of the Arizona Interscholastic Association Board during my tenure on that same board. Especially when I first became a member of the AIA Board, Harold was very helpful in orienting me to the issues confronted by the board. He was a good person.
Pete Turner says:
November 29, 2017
Harold was more than an icon in Arizona education. Yes, as a high school principal, district superintendent, and executive director of Arizona School Administrators he had far-reaching and positive influences on so many in the field. But for me he was a mentor, a guide, and a role model with profound impact on my own personal career. Whenever in need of sage advice or wise direction, Harold was always available. His smile, his distinctive laugh, and his incredible connections with so many educators will be as sorely missed as the beauty and warmth of his wife Barbara. On a more personal note, my wife Roselyn and I will always treasure our friendship, the dinners, and the laughter with the Porters. Farewell, and deep gratitude for all Harold did for education, and for those of us with the privilege of knowing Barbara and him on a more intimate level.
Carol Suthern says:
November 30, 2017
My sincere condolences to Curtis, Darryl and their families. May you all find comfort in knowing he is at peace now and has rejoined his wife Barbara, the love of his life. Mr. Porter was a kind & gentle leader who touched many lives. He will be missed.
Mary Solano says:
November 30, 2017
November 30, 2017
Mr. Porter was my boss at the Agua Fria Union High School the 21 years that I worked in the Business Office. He was a great leader of the High School until his retirement.
He will be missed by all who knew him.
Mary Solano, clerk in the Business Office.
Mary Ann Solano, student at AFUHS, went into the Air Force as a nurse for 24 years. Mr Porter followed her career through all the years.
Howard and Wanda Porter says:
December 1, 2017
Oh my goodness, what do you say about Harold, in this small space. He was SO special to Howard, (close cousin) and our whole family. And I could say “probably ALL who knew him”!!! And Curt, Daryl, and Dewey, please know that we are praying for Gods perfect peace be sent to you all, as well as the entire Porter family. Poor health and distance, prevents us from being able to come to his funeral, but our thoughts, prayers will be there. Our hearts are shattered with you. But knowing he has been united with his parents, and his sweet, fun, wife, Barbara, and his Sister, and that if we are Christians, we shall see all of them again, is such a condolance and blessing.. Lovingly, Howard and Wanda Porter