Fred Edward Porter

Fred E. Porter, 83, of Vidor died Tuesday, September 25, 2007 at his residence in Vidor. A native of Beaumont, Texas, he was a resident of Vidor most of his life. Fred was a member of Pine Forest Baptist Church. He attended South Park schools in Beaumont. He joined the US Navy in 1942 and served as a Signalman aboard LCI 92, landing in the 1st wave at Omaha Beach during the Normandy invasion. He was honorably discharged in 1945. For his military service at Omaha Beach the government of France in 2001 he was presented a certificate for his part in the Liberation of France. Porter graduated from Stephen F. Austin College in 1949 and received a Bachelor of Science in speech and education. He earned his Master’s degree in Education from the University of Houston in 1952. He began his 10 year association with Vidor ISD. He served as visual aides coordinator, speech and history teacher and was active in One-Act Play. He later was assistant principal and principal up to 1961. He was principal at East Chambers and Orangefield ISD’s; and he was superintendent at both Iola and Huffman ISD’s. He retired from Nederland ISD in 1984, having served as Administrative Asst. for Personnel. After retirement he enjoyed fishing and traveling and was very active in the Golden Triangle Square and Round Dance Assn. and Texas State Camping Squares. He was a Master Mason in Vidor Lodge 1286 AF AM, a member of the USS LCI National Assn., and Lufkin Chapter #84 DAV. He was a member of the VFW Post 2775, the American Legion Post 49, and Lions International. Mr. Porter was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, the former Agnes Faye Norbit, He is survived by his second wife of 21 years, the former Wanda Fay Spell, and his daughters and son-in-laws: Carole and Robert Simon, Cathy and Robert James, all of Vidor. Granchildren and spouses are: Charles N. Simon of Baton Rouge, Robert E. and Tanya Simon of Crosby, James L. Simon of Houston; Darryl and Caitlin James of Beaumont, and Jeanette and Jay Hagen of Fannett. Surviving great-grandchildren are: Carrie, Kaitlin, Kimberly, Karissa, Karah, Kendra, Kyleigh, Klaire, and Kason Simon, and Mason James; also by step-son Michael Harris of Terrell, and step-daughter Tina Murphy of Beaumont, several cousins, nieces, nephews and close friends, including area square dancers. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, September 28, 2007 at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor with burial to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park with military honors. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 27, 2007 at Memorial Funeral Home.

Cemetery:
Restlawn Memorial Park 2725 N. Main St. Vidor, TX 77662 (map/driving directions)

Visitation:
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor 1750 Hwy Vidor, TX on September 27, 2007 (map/driving directions) Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor 1750 Hwy Vidor, TX (map/driving directions)

Service:
10:00 AM at Memorial funeral Home of Vidor 1750 Hwy 12 Vidor, TX 77662 on September 28, 2007 (map/driving directions)