Ronald D. Porter

Ronald Darcy Porter passed away on the evening of Saturday, August 5, 2023. He was born on January 20, 1946, the son of Darcy and Eleanor Porter. He grew up on a dairy farm in Courtland Township, which led to a lifelong passion for farming. He went to a country schoolhouse for his early education before graduating from Rockford High School in 1963. Ronald served with the U.S. Air Force for two years as a jet mechanic before being honorably discharged in 1969. In 1970, Ronald returned to farming when he bought the property he would eventually live on for the rest of his life. In 1981, Ronald proposed to Beverly (Luyk), which was the start of a beautiful 42-year marriage. Ronald was a true farmer at heart who loved planting corn and harvest time. He ran an ag business for 17 years where he helped supply many other local farmers’ needs. Ronald was also an antique tractor collector for many years who loved finding them in numerous states, and even Canadian provinces. In addition to helping the farmer community, Ronald was also involved with the Harvard Fire Board, Oakfield Township Board of Review, and a variety of church committees – most recently serving as a deacon at Rockford Springs Community Church. Surviving are his wife Beverly; son Eric Porter and wife Susan of Hopkins, MI; son Darcy Porter of Lakewood, CO; son Bryan Porter and his wife Miranda of Rockford, MI; grandchildren Kennedy, Kelcey, Johnathon, and Jennifer Porter; Ethan and Jolee Porter; great grandchildren Sophia, Zinnia, and Azalea; siblings Phyllis (Ron) Dolislager, Chuck (Gayla) Porter, Darcia (Brad) Kelley; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and grandson James Porter. A time of visitation will be held from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at Rockford Springs Community Church 5815 14 Mile Rd NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Ronald’s family and friends will gather for a funeral service at Rockford Springs Community Church on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a visitation one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at White Swan Cemetery in Oakfield Township. In memory of Ronald, donations may be made in his name to Rockford Springs Community Church. Arrangements by K.E. Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.