Douglas R. Porter, age 66, unexpectedly passed away at his Billings home on August 12, 2019. Doug was married to his high school sweetheart in 2012, Kathleen Murphy-Porter, who was at his side at the time of his death. He was born in Helena to Edgar F. Porter and Josephine McMekin Porter. Doug was a 1972 graduate of Helena High School and started his career with Mountain Bell where he was the first male telephone operator in the state. He held various positions over the next 40 years as the company name changed to USWest, Qwest and CenturyLink. He retired from CenturyLink after 40 years of service, before moving to Billings in 2011, where he was employed with Rocky Mountain Contractors. He loved wood working, metal working and was an avid hunter. He was developing a new passion for fly fishing. Doug and Kathy were looking forward to a full and happy retirement together in 2020.
Doug is preceded in death by his father, mother, and sister Diane. He is survived by his wife Kathy of Billings; his daughter Nicole Sullivan (Tim) of Helena; his step-sons Kobey McCall (Kaitlin) of Chevy Chase, Maryland, and Kyle McCall of Billings; his sisters-in-law Colleen Murphy Towe of Phoenix, Arizona, and Moreen Murphy of Washington, DC; five grandchildren; a niece and nephew, and other extended family members.
A memorial service is scheduled at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 5th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. A reception will follow the service at the Little Red School House in Helena.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
11:00 a.m.
Thursday September 5, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Service
Thursday September 5, 2019
Little Red School House
Helena, Montana 59602
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Julie Massaro says
Nicole,
I’m so sorry to see the loss of your Dad. I always enjoyed my visits with him all those years ago, and have fond memories of him. Keep his memory alive in your heart…he’s always with you!
My love to you.
Ron Iverson says
To the family– I coached Doug in Sophomore basketball and Helena High in 1969 and 70. He was a rugged inside player, and it was a pleasure to coach him. He was a good basketball player, and got his way inside. We counted on him several times during various games. He was a good teammate and well-liked by his teammates, and of course the coaching staff. I am sorry to see he has passed on, but his memories will live forever for you, and for me.
Vonnie Fineran says
Dear Kathy, I am so sorry to learn of Doug’s passing. Although I never met him, I have known you for many, many years and seeing photos of you two on Facebook I know you were very happy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Linda says
Kathy, Kobey and Kyle,
I am so sorry and you will be in my thoughts!! I never met Doug but I have heard and seen just how special he has been. Sounds like he has made an impact on quite a few people. This is so very heartbreaking but please know– he is and will be with you always. Cherish the moments and memories you’ve made, he lives on inside your hearts.
Love always,
Linda
Henri Snell says
We are so saddened to hear of Doug’s passing. He was such a delightful guy to work with and we are truly proud to have known him and called him “friend”. He will be very missed by all who knew him…truly a gentle giant with a heart to match his height! Our condolences to his family.
Robin & Henri Snell
Denise Howard says
So very sad to hear of Doug’s passing. I worked with him starting in 1972 as telephone operators, where he and 3 other men were the first male telephone operators in Montana. He had a hard time squeezing himself at the toll bord. My condolences to Doug’s family. He will be missed!
Tim Rector says
Growing up with Douglas as one of the Valley Boys was priceless. I will never forget the time he tried to sell me his older and totally gutless Hodaka motorcycle. He just got a new more powerful cycle & left me in the dust on our way to scratch gravel hill. We had tons of fun during Jr. and High School, but will never forget the blast we had at the Aber Day keggers over in Missoula. RIP Big Fella!
Marge Kasper says
So sorry to hear of Doug’s passing. Had the pleasure to work with him at the telephone company since 1983, when I moved to Helena. He always seemed to come across as a tough guy but had a big heart and hard worker. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May wonderful memories keep him close.
Neal l Lloyd says
Kathy and girls so sorry for your lost he was a great man and did anything for all of you he was a great part of my life also he was a mentor to so many people .
Walter Thompson says
My condolences to the family. I have fond memories of playing basketball with Doug and I have the pictures of our team.