Robert L. “Bob” Porter, 76, Columbia City, passed away at 10:51 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018, at his residence.

Born on Dec. 18, 1941, in Elnora, he was the son of Olaf O. and Violet L. (Arney) Porter. He attended Elnora Schools and graduated from Elnora High School with the Class of 1959.

He then proudly served his country in the U.S. Army. On Sept. 12, 1964, he married Marcia K. Williams in Elnora.

He was the owner of Bob Porter Chevrolet, Oldsmobile, Pontiac dealership in Ligonier from 1977 to 1998. Prior to that he had managed dealerships in Indianapolis and Terre Haute. He lived in Greenwood, Terre Haute, Ligonier, Scottsdale, Ariz., and in St. Augustine, Fla. for 14 years before settling in Columbia City in 2016.

He was a member of Columbia City United Methodist Church, a member of both the American Legion and the NHRA (National Hot Rod Association) for over 30 years. He was an avid car enthusiast and restored a large collection of 1960s muscle cars that were featured in numerous national publications. His favorite pastimes were drag racing his big block 1968 Camaro and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his loving wife: Marcia Porter, Columbia City; daughters: Julie Porter, Los Angeles, Calif.; and Katina Porter, Phoenix, Ariz.; sisters-in-law: Pat Stump, Columbia City; and Peggy Williams, Vincennes; special nieces: Jennifer (Scott) Gunder, Warsaw; and Melissa (Michael) Sunsdahl, Carmel; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Delores Ann Johnson.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Monday, July 30, with calling two hours prior to service at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City.

A graveside service will be held in Walnut Hill Cemetery, Odon, at 2 p.m. Sept. 7.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Humane Society of Whitley County.