Donald Forrest Porter was born Oct. 28, 1923, in Northfield, the son of Ray F. Porter Sr. and Henrietta M. (Jensen) Porter. He graduated from Albert Lea High School with the class of 1942. He enjoyed participating in hockey and football during his school years.

He served his country in the U.S. Navy from July 1942 until his honorable discharge in December 1945. He was honored to have served as a gunner’s mate on the U.S. naval ship Gleaves.

Following his return from the service, he worked for Santa Fe Railroad for more than 38 years.

He married Phyllis Tellekson, and to this marriage one daughter, Connie, was born. The family made their home in California. After Phyllis’ death, Forry married Lorraine Slette in 1977 and they returned to live in Albert Lea in 1983. After Lorraine’s death, Forry married Clarice Blesi in 2005; she also preceded him in death.

Some of Forry’s life highlights include being selected to be grand marshall in the Albert Lea 2015 Homecoming parade, his hole-in-one on Green Lea Golf Coure’s No. 5 in 1989, and also the Albert Lea Country Club Caddy Champion title.

You could always count on Forry to put a smile on your face, as he had a great dry sense of humor.

Forry died Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020, at Thorne Crest Senior Living Community in Albert Lea. He was 96.

He is survived by his daughter, Connie (Stan) Lulie, of Vallejo, California; brothers Loren (Elaine ) Porter of Albert Lea and Keith Sr. (Dorothy) Porter of Albert Lea; sister-in-law, Ruth Porter, of Albert Lea; and nieces and nephews.

Forry was preceded in death by his parents; his wives Phyllis, Lorraine and Clarice; sisters Marion and her husband, Lyle Westrum, and Joanne and her husband, LuVerne Sorenson; and a brother, Ray Porter Jr.

Private family memorial services with military honors will be held. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to Grace Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Bonnerup Funeral Service is assisting the family.