Robert Eugene Porter, Sr.

Robert Eugene Porter, Sr., age 93, a resident of Rio Communities, NM, for 10 months (previously Natchez, LA), passed away on August 17, 2025, surrounded by his family.

Robert was born on March 20, 1932, in Dallas, TX, to Guy and Viola Porter.  Robert was a veteran of the US Air Force, serving during the Korean War overseas. Before his retirement, Robert owned the Coin-Op Laundry in Los Lunas, worked for the U.S. Postal Service, ending his career as the Postmaster of the Laguna Pueblo Post Office. After retirement, he was a Deacon at Harmony Baptist Church, Past Master of the Phoenix Masonic Lodge, a volunteer and past Treasurer at the Natchitoches Genealogy Library, a member of the Natchitoches Historical Society, and member of the American Legion.

He was very proud to be a life Member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and served as both Louisiana divisional Chaplain and Commander of Samuel D. Russel Camp Number 1617. Besides all his volunteer work, he enjoyed traveling, gardening, reading, and listening to old time Gospel and classical waltz music. Robert never met a stranger and made each person he met feel special and loved.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Viola Porter, brothers Johnny and Ted Porter, and wife Shirley Porter, with whom he was married for 65 years. He is survived by his sister Molly Pruski (David); sons Robert Porter, Jr. (Diane) and Jeffrey Porter (Kathleen); daughter Suzanne Sharpe (Rob); grandchildren Brandon Porter, Shannon Irwin, Molly DeMarcus, Gavin Sharpe, and Erin Sharpe; and great-grandchildren Emilia Irwin, Lillian Sharpe and William Sharpe.

Robert is going home to Louisiana for his final resting place beside Shirley. Visitation will be held at Blanchard St. Denis Funeral Home on Wednesday, August 27, at 9:00 a.m.  Funeral service will follow immediately after at 10:00. A funeral procession to the Roberts Cemetery on Harmony Road will follow the service where, weather permitting, a graveside service will also be held.

The family would like to recognize and thank Ms. Rose Gistarb, his caregiver, for the six years preceding his move to New Mexico. Also, his most recent caregivers, Shawn and Mary Justus with the VA Medical Foster Home.