• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home

Assisting the Montana communities of Helena, East Helena, Townsend, White Sulphur Springs, Montana City, Clancy & Lincoln

  • Recent Obituaries
  • Search Obituaries

For Immediate Help Call 1.406.442.8520

In Memory Of

Douglas R. Porter, age 66 of Billings formerly of Helena

May 23, 1953 – August 12, 2019

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

View map

Reception

Following the Service

Thursday September 5, 2019

Little Red School House

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

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

View map

Reception

Following the Service

Thursday September 5, 2019

Little Red School House

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

Share your photos

Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Julie Massaro says

    August 21, 2019 at 3:08 pm

    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.

  2. Ron Iverson says

    August 22, 2019 at 9:04 pm

    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.

  3. Vonnie Fineran says

    August 25, 2019 at 8:52 am

    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.

  4. Linda says

    August 25, 2019 at 9:00 am

    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

  5. Henri Snell says

    August 26, 2019 at 6:24 pm

    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

  6. Denise Howard says

    August 26, 2019 at 10:21 pm

    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!

  7. Tim Rector says

    August 28, 2019 at 8:09 am

    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!

  8. Marge Kasper says

    August 28, 2019 at 9:29 am

    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.

  9. Neal l Lloyd says

    August 29, 2019 at 11:57 am

    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 .

  10. Walter Thompson says

    September 3, 2019 at 9:46 am

    My condolences to the family. I have fond memories of playing basketball with Doug and I have the pictures of our team.

Add your thoughts and memories.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

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

View map

Reception

Following the Service

Thursday September 5, 2019

Little Red School House

Helena, Montana 59602

View map

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

Share your photos

  • Monuments
  • Family Assistance
  • Search Obituaries
  • Contact Us
  • Find A Grave National Search

© 2025 · Anderson Stevenson Wilke & Retz Funeral Home · Website by Luci's Office