Anderson, IN - Michael "Mike" Edward Porter, was born Sept. 22, 1950, and passed away surrounded by family on April 4, 2025.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Judy Porter; parents, Helen (Goodpaster) and Charles Porter; siblings, Steve Porter, Jeni Polly, and Cynthia Freeman; and son-in-law, Todd Snyder.

Apart from a short adventure in Florida in his 20s, he lived in Anderson his entire life. He was born in and lived most of his life on the city's west side. He grew up there with a large extended family, went to school (7th Street Elementary, Central Junior High, and Anderson High School), was married in 1980 to his first wife Tami Ward-Bair, and raised their four kids, all in the west side neighborhoods.

In 1998, he moved to the east side with his second wife, Judy Porter (married in 2000). He then lived in their Park Place home on the same street as many other members of his family for over two decades until his death. Over the years he worked at Emge, The Herald Bulletin, Anderson Community Schools, Hoosier Park, ALAC, and ultimately retired from the City of Anderson.

He was loved by many for his quick wit and sense of humor. He made friends easily everywhere he worked or spent time. A lifelong music lover, he often enjoyed listening to his favorites, from the days of vinyl records all the way through Spotify playlists. He also played drums in local band So Far So Good for several years.

The son of a barber, his well kept hair was a point of pride. He loved spending time with his friends and family, and in nice weather could often be found outside with them on his porch with his music playing. He was a generous man who gave gifts and help freely to those he loved. He was a great storyteller and conversationalist. His personality was larger than life, and to spend time with Mike Porter was a treasure. His life took him down many paths, and each fork in the road led him to more and more people who came to love him.

He is survived by sister, Lisa Porter Brown; special cousins, Rodney and Roger Shirley; children, Amy (Kenny Knotts) Snyder, Stacey (Mike) Jones, Michael (Breanne) Porter, and Matt (Nancy) Porter; bonus children, Laurie Thompson, Mindy (Tony) Girt, Jon (Samantha) Meeks, David (Cori) Meeks, and Shannon (Todd Rimer) Meeks; former wife, Tami Ward-Bair; sister-in-law, Tammy Porter; grandchildren and bonus grandchildren, Blake, Maggie, Amanda, Ryley, Kayla, Katy, Mikey, Rachael, Millie, Tyler, Jenni, Josh, Saundra, Madison, and Corbin; as well as great- grandchildren and bonus great- grandchildren, Adaline, Jasper, Logan, Kyla, Stella, Ethan, Ellie, and Kingston; a large extended family; and numerous friends.

A celebration of life is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, at 2 p.m. at Southside Church of the Nazarene, 3500 Fuson Road, Muncie.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike's name to Homer's Helpers Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 211, Alexandria, IN 46001.