Lewis "Luke" Porter

Lewis Dale (Luke) Porter, Hays, Kansas, passed away on February 5, 2015. e was born on April 30, 1928 in Guthrie, OK., and was the youngest of 13 children born to John and Lily Porter. Luke spent his boyhood in Ulysses, Ks where the family weathered dust storms, illnesses and the depression. It was at a young age that he learned the value of strong family relationships and hard work. While attending Ulysses High School, he met the love of his life, Joan Leierer, They were married on May 24, 1948 at the United Methodist Church. To this union two children, Jeff and Tamara, were born. Lukes work career started at Phillips Furniture Store where he became an accomplished carpenter. Soon after, he accepted a job with Standard Oil of Indiana at the Ulysses Gas Plant, starting out as a plant technician. His career progressed as did his care for the community he called home. He served several terms as Ulysses Mayor and was an active member of the United Methodist Church, and the Masonic Lodge. Even more important to Luke was the deep love and commitment he had for his family. Whether supporting Tamara as she became an accomplished pianist/organist, or serving as a Boy Scout Leader for Jeffs troop, he took great joy and pride in his childrens activities. He proudly attended recitals, graduations, football games, and vocal concerts regardless of his shift work schedule. As they grew up, he could be seen attending various parent events at Fort Hays State University where both children were students. In 1972, Luke and Joan moved to the Denver area where Luke assumed the position of Wattenberg Plant Manager for Amoco. Later he became Area Manager for the Fort Lupton Production area. During his time there, he was an active member of the Denver Masonic Shrine. Upon retirement, he and Joan divided time between their homes in Mesa, Arizona and Aurora, Colorado. By then, there were four grandchildren, Tyler, Tenelle, and Tyson, and Noelle Connolly who loved visiting them. In 2004, the couple moved to Hays, Kansas to be close to Tamara and family. He passed away at the Wilson Golden Living Center where he left an exceptional group of caregivers. Luke was proceeded in death by his wife of 65 years Joan, son Jeff, sisters Maurine Freed, Gladys Douglas, Willamena Porter, Opal Kirby and brothers Charlie, Cleston, Southurd, J. C., Spike, Milton, HD and J Lee Porter. Dave Goodman, a cousin who was raised by the family, also proceeded him in death. He leaves his daughter Tamara and husband Chuck of Hays, grandchildren Noelle and husband Brandon Buehler of Sarasota, Florida, Tyler and wife Aeramy of Wichita, Tenelle of Palo Alto, CA, and Tyson and wife Christine of Lawrence. He is also survived by five great grandchildren, including Alexis Connolly, Thatcher, Ford, Trip, and Hadley Porter. A service to honor his life as well as the life of his wife Joan will be held at the Ulysses United Methodist Church on May 23 at 10:00 am. Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or emailed to keithleyfuneralhomes@gmail.com











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