William “Bill” E. Porter, 89, of Mt. Carmel, Illinois passed away Sunday, January 5, 2020 at Wabash General Hospital in Mt. Carmel.

Bill was born in Lawrence County Illinois on October 13, 1930, the son of Ernest and Emma (Hedge) Porter. He married Carolyn Newton July 13, 1973 in Benton, KY.

Bill graduated Mt. Carmel High School where he played football for all four years. He has been a lifelong Mt. Carmel Aces fan, faithfully attended all football games. Bill was presented an award for not missing a game in thirty years. He loved dirt track racing especially going to the track with family. He went to the games and the track until he was physically unable to be there. Bill loved sports of all kinds and coached baseball at the south end for several years. Family fish frys were always special to him.

Bill served his county in the U.S. Army. He worked as a foreman at the Flintkote Plant and retired from the maintenance department at North School in District #348. He loved working with the kids in the lunchroom. He was a member of American Legion, VFW, Eagles and Moose lodges.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife Carolyn; children, Kathy (George) Dooley of Mt. Carmel, Kevin (Angie) Porter of Boonville, IN, Tim Newton of Evansville IN, Lee Linson and Mike Linson of Mt. Carmel; thirteen grandchildren, Dylan Porter, Dominique and Lexie Spruell, Billie Mayberry, Keyla and Levi Porter, Timia Ellis, Joey Newton, Shaylee Adams, Tyler Linson, Lorna Linson, Brook Morris, Chase Linson; several great grandchildren; and two great great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; several siblings; first wife Joyce Ann Porter; son, Dale Porter; daughter, Vicki Spruell; and two grandchildren, Drew Porter and Sheri Knapp.

Per his wishes, Bill will be cremated, and a Private Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be made online at www.short-cunninghamfh.com

Short-Cunningham Funeral Home is honored to serve Bill’s family.