ISLAND FALLS – Galen R. Porter Sr., 85, passed away July 15, 2008, with his family by his side, at his home. Galen was born July 9, 1923, in Monticello, the son of Respa (Frazier) and Horace Porter. Galen served in World War II from June 1942 to December 1945, as part of the 463rd AAA AW Battalion, attached to the 79th Infantry Division in the European Theater. After his return home, Galen moved to Island Falls, where he went into the automotive repair business and selling new and used vehicles, from which he retired in 1985. He was a charter member of Island Falls Lions Club, where he served as king lion, and Island Falls Fire Department. He also served as selectman for the town of Island Falls. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps, prior to entering the service, as well as being a member of the Loyal Chapter of the Eastern Star No. 111, Island Falls Lodge AM & FM No. 206, Chapter, Commandary, Anah Shriners of Bangor, where he was a life member of the Northern Penobscot and Aroostook Shrine clubs. He married Helena McKeen, Oct. 3, 1946, and together they raised four children. He is survived by his wife, Helena; one daughter, Diana and her husband, William L. Daniels Jr.; three sons, Brent M. Porter and his wife, Sheryl, Galen R. Porter Jr. and his wife, Joleen, and Frank M. Porter and his wife, Melissa; 10 grandchildren, Katherine, Jennifer, Matthew, Benjamin, Krista, Janelle, Robbie, Chad, Dylan and Shanna Mae; 11 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Byron and Merval and his wife, Daisy; two sisters, Regina Brewer and Jeannette Bethune; his brothers-in-law, Keith McKeen and his wife, Kathleen, and Wayne McKeen and his wife, Bonnie; sisters-in-law, Barbara Archi-bald and husband, Phillip, and Mary Lou Hills and her husband, Peyton; as well as many special nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by two brothers, James and Russell; one sister, Greta Ramsdell; sisters-in-law, Mildred, Pearl and Theresa; and brothers-in-law, Kenneth Ramsdell and Ray Noah Bethune. Friends may call noon-2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at Bowers Funeral Home, Island Falls, with a celebration of Galen’s life being held 2 p.m. with the Rev. Gary Johnson officiating with Masonic services coinciding. Burial will be held at Island Falls Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Visiting Nurses of Aroostook, Island Falls United Baptist Church or CancerCare of Maine, care of Bowers Funeral Home, P.O. Box 579, Houlton, ME 04730. Envelopes may be picked up at the funeral home.
GALEN R. PORTER SR.
