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Donald William Porter, 69, of Morgantown, went to heaven Wednesday, August 19, 2026, while surrounded by his family. He was born on the Fourth of July, 1957, in Morgantown, the youngest of four boys.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Charlene Hunter Porter; his daughters, Whitney Dawn Porter Lenhart (DJ) and Courtney Porter Riley (Nick); grandsons, William and Weston Lenhart, and Oliver Riley. He is also survived by his brother, Dexter Porter (Dickie Lee), sister-in-law Shelia Porter; many nieces and nephews, and great- nieces and great- nephews.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Mildred McMillen Porter; as well as two of his older brothers, Douglas and David Porter.
Don graduated from University High School in Morgantown in 1975, where he earned All- State Honorable Mention in football and lettered all 3 years.
He started working at a very young age with a paper route, janitorial jobs, delivery driver, and on pipelines. His most notable occupations were as a skilled carpenter at Walls Cabinet Company for 22½ years and at Mylan Pharmaceuticals for 19 years, demonstrating his strong work ethic and loyalty.
As a long-time member of the Forks-of- Cheat Baptist Church, Don was both a deacon and church cemetery director.
Beach vacations, camping, and trips to Canaan Valley with his family were important to Don, as he wanted to create lasting memories for everyone. His famous Fourth of July parties have been a long-standing tradition in which he reveled in spending time with family and friends, highlighted with homemade ice cream and epic fireworks. He was an avid NASCAR fan and Mountaineer Football season ticket holder for decades. In his later years, his favorite times were spent with his grandsons, as he proudly held the title "Pap."
The family would like to sincerely thank everyone for all the support and love we have received and for the people involved in Don's care, specifically at Fresenius Kidney Care and Mon Health Medical Center. We are blessed by how much Don was truly loved.
Friends and family will be received in Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce Street, Morgantown, Sunday, August 23, from 1-5 p.m. Visitation will continue in the funeral home Monday, August 24, from 1 until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m., with Pastor Chuck Bowers officiating.
Burial will follow at Forks-of-Cheat Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, Don has requested that donations be made to Forks-of-Cheat Baptist Church Cemetery, mailed to Daniel Lenhart at 42 Bruce Sliger Road, Morgantown, WV 26508.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.hastingsfuneralhome.com