Hal Davis Porter passed away on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023, in Flagstaff after a trying battle with dementia. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, at the Holbrook Stake Center, with burial in the Joseph City Cemetery immediately following. Hal was born June 18, 1929, to Jane (Rogers) and Aaron Bond Porter, in his family home in Joseph City. The last of eight children, he was the apple of everyone’s eye and enjoyed the life and opportunities that this family status afforded to him. He loved the cowboy and farming life that he grew up in. He spent his childhood growing up in Joseph City, attending school there until high school and then graduated from Holbrook High School. He later attended an electrical trade school in Chicago, Ill., and returned home to open his own business, Service Electric. He met the love of his life, Bertha DeSpain, very early in grade school and never looked any further. They were married Jan. 14, 1949, in the Mesa Temple. They lived in Joseph City for a few years and then moved to Holbrook to set up and run the business together until just 10 years ago. Hal enjoyed everything outdoors. He loved camping and hunting, fishing and boating, and just being out in the mountains or high desert. He often stated that he lived in the perfect place because he could enjoy all the seasons and in just a short time put himself anywhere else in the state to do all that he loved. Camping and hunting with his family and friends (and horses) was one of his greatest loves. Reminiscing around a campfire, telling lies, big enjoyable meals and togetherness were always made time for. He also loved animals and spoiled his cows, horses and dogs with scratches, food and attention. He especially loved being a part of raising his grandchildren. They are very blessed to have had him as a constant figure in their childhood. He loved his roles as husband, father, grandfather and breadwinner for the family and business. He held many church callings with his favorite working with the young men. He is probably best remembered for the many years he served as a volunteer direman and a member of the Holbrook City Council. He leaves behind three daughters, Jeanie Porter, Martha (Jack) Brooks and Carolyn (Gary) Rice; six grandchildren, Timalee (Chad) Guetterman, Travis (Brittany) Brooks, Trenton (Lauren) Brooks, Ben (Annie) Cluff, Mana (Kevin) Hoskins and Gary (Nicole) Rice Jr.; 12 great-grandchildren with another on the way and one great-great-grandchild. Hal was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bertha Jean, his parents, siblings and many other family and friends. What a wonderful reunion he went home to. Norvel Owens Mortuary of Flagstaff handled the arrangements.
