John H. Porter

PEORIA- John H. Porter, 58, of Peoria, formerly of Phoenix, AZ, died Sunday, March 25, 2018, at 1:51 p.m. at UnityPoint-Health Methodist Hospital in Peoria, IL.

Born March 27, 1959, in Phoenix, AZ, to Harold and Eleanor (Regan) Porter, he married Ellen Keenan on December 18, 2010, in Peoria, IL. She survives along with daughters Emily (Jim) Tweet and Rachel (Jason) Tomkins, both of Mayer, AZ; and five grandchildren: Jacob, Hunter and Michaela Tweet and Colton and Ava Tomkins all of Mayer, AZ. Also surviving are two sisters: Susan Porter of Phoenix, AZ, and Kathy Porter of Gilbert, AZ; four nephews and two nieces. John was preceded in death by his parents, and one grandson, Wyatt Tomkins. Also preceding him in death were an uncle, Don Porter, with whom he was especially close as well as one cousin, Vickie Porter-Pratt, whom he considered as a sister.

A graduate of Bradley University in 2013, John last worked as a technical recruiter in the engineering field in Peoria. John sang barbershop harmony with the Phabulous Phoenicians Barbershop Chorus and the Copperstatesmen in Arizona. He served as Chapter President of both, as well as being an Area Counselor for Northern Arizona for the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barber Shop Quartet Singing in America, Inc. He was a former member of the Morton Civic Chorus in Peoria.

John had a passion for sports, particularly baseball. He was an avid fan of the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Arizona Diamondbacks. That passion paled in comparison to the love he had for his grandchildren. He was always happiest when he was on the phone with Hunter and Michaela or on FaceTime with Colton and Ava. John's greatest regret was never meeting Ava, 1, in person.

John shared a special bond with others in his family, too, most notably his aunt Carol Porter, his uncle Reggie Regan, and his cousins Ronnie Porter, Sandie Golliher, and Connie Freeland whom he considered to be siblings.

John loved life and despite the fact that he was afflicted with many physical ailments in the last few years, he always believed he would "muscle through." He always answered the question, "How are you?" with a genuine smile and reply of, "GOOD! How are you?", and was truly interested in the other person's reply.

Cremation will be accorded. John will be taken back to be in his beloved Arizona desert. A celebration of John's life will be on Saturday, March 31, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Sharbel Village Community Center in Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made or to the Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, or by donating blood to the American Red Cross.