Edward Lee Porter, a beloved family man and business and community leader, passed away on Nov. 23 at the age of 87.
Ed had an enduring commitment to a wide range of civic, educational and cultural institutions. Philanthropic with his time and resources, Ed served on the boards of Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City, Jewish Community Foundation, Village Shalom, The J and New Reform Temple.
Ed was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Dec. 24, 1936. He attended high school at both Taylor Allderdice High School and Valley Forge Military Academy (PA), graduating at the age of 16. After a year of college, he proudly served in the U.S. Army for two years and was stationed in Korea. He received an accounting degree from the University of Pittsburgh and began working for Giant Eagle as a 3rd generation executive from one of its five founding families. In 1983, Ed moved to Kansas City with his family to become president of Milgram Food Stores. Ed went on to become president of Argus Health Systems, a division of DST and Financial Holding Corporation.
Ed was devoted to family, education, community and faith. He was an enthusiastic golfer who reached single-digit status. He was an avid reader and claimed to have read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica over the course of a year in high school. Those who knew him couldn't doubt it.
Ed was known for giving so much of himself, his time and his generosity. He did things because they were right, not because they were popular.
He is survived by his loving children and grandchildren: his children, Debra Gill (George), David Porter (Carol) and Barbra Hill (Ron); and his cherished grandchildren, Rachel and Lindsay Gill, Sophia and Joseph Porter, and Alec and Jaden Hill.
Ed was preceded in death by his loving wife Karen, to whom he was married for almost 65 years; his brother, Richard Porter; and his parents, Al and Lillian Porter.
The funeral was held on Nov. 25 at Louis Memorial Chapel.
Donations may be made to Torah Learning Center, New Reform Temple or Village Shalom.
