Robert Edwin Porter

Robert Edwin Porter passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was 2 months away from his 105th birthday.

Robert Edwin Porter, born July 28, 1921, was the youngest of seven children born to Ellis and Edna Porter. He was always called Bobby by his mother. He grew up in the small, rural area of Plattin, MO, near Festus, where he helped on the family farm, survived the great depression, and had many exciting adventures.

When he heard about the bombing of Pearl Harbor, he wanted to serve. It was a hardship for him to go because his father needed him on the farm, but eventually he did enlist, and entered into the Army Air Forces on August 31, 1942. Trained as an armorer and aerial gunner, he served and saw combat in the India-Burma Theater. He was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign medal with two bronze stars to denote his participation in several campaigns and a Good Conduct medal. He returned safely home to Missouri in January of 1946.

It was just the following month that he was invited by his cousin to attend a Valentine’s Day dance at Lindenwood College with one of her friends. This turned out to be a very long date… with his future wife, Bette Littrell. Bob and Bette were married on December 26, 1948. There was a snow storm that night and they barely made it to their honeymoon destination of Pere Marquette State Park. They enjoyed 68 wonderful years together before Bette passed in 2017, including many road trips around the US and trips abroad.

Bob worked as a carpenter and construction supervisor for several construction companies including Kolkmier and Albers. Bette was especially proud of the home that he built for them. His faith was demonstrated by his work at the First United Methodist Church in St. Charles. He and Bette were members of the McAdams Sunday School class. Their class was responsible for the popular Ground Hog Dinner at the church. Bob and his friends put together ground pork patties that were delicious! Bob was the man to call when there were repairs to be made. Both Bob and Bette led a life of service to the church, their community, and to their family.

The surviving family includes his son Michael (Peggy), daughter Susan Schneider (Bob), son David (Jan), and son Paul (Diane). His grandchildren include Sarah Hodges, Stephen Schneider, Katherine Mattern, Daniel Schneider, Ryan Porter, Megan Brayfield, Zach Robinson, Jacob Porter.

He had 12 great grandchildren. He loved all of his family dearly, and was called ‘Papa’ by his grandchildren and ‘Great Papa’ to his great grandchildren. When together, we often spoke about wonderful memories: family birthday celebrations with bbq and homemade ice cream, epic fishing trips, and holiday celebrations at their home. Bob always loved making peanut brittle at Christmastime to give out as gifts.

A kind and gentle man, Bob was thoughtful and curious and enjoyed reading about science, history, and travel.

The visitation will be on Thursday, June 4th at the Baue Funeral Home - St. Charles from 4:00 - 6:00 pm.

His funeral will be on Friday, June 5th at the St. Charles First United Methodist Church at 11:00 am.

A military service to honor Bob will be held afterwards at St. Charles Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church.