Tarvin Porter, 80, World War II Veteran

He was born July 12,1 921 in Sansik, KY and has been a Lorain County resident for the past 50 years.

He served in the US Army during World War II where he received the Asian-Pacific Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Stars and Bronze Arrowhead; the American Theater Ribbon; the Philippine Liberation Ribbon; the Good Conduct Ribbon; and the Victory Medal. Porter was an engineer and assistant coxswain on a Landing Craft Medium (a small boat that carried men, tanks or supplies to the beaches). He made four invasion beachheads, including a massive operation at the Lingayen Gulf, 120 miles west of Manila in Luzon, Philippine Islands. After his tour of duty in the US Army, he attended Cabinet maker Apprentice School. Tarvin worked for General Motors in Elyria retiring in 1981 after 30 years as a floor inspector. He was a member of North Lake Missionary Baptist Church in South Amherst. He enjoyed gardening, and was well known for his prize winning tomatoes. He also enjoyed going to auctions and flea markets and was a tool collector.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Beatrice (nee Sagraves) Porter; his sons, Mr. Tarvin Porter, II of Avon, Mr. John M. Porter of Amherst; his daughters Donna Sue Schafer of Grafton, and Joan Seiders of Sheffield Village; and 5 grandchildren.

He was preceded by his parents John and Lula (nee Brewster) Porter; his brother: Randolph Porter and by his sisters Elsie Kirk and Dessie Marie Porter.

Friends may call Wednesday, March 27, 2002 from 2-4 and 7-9 at Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Avenue, Amherst. Funeral services will be Thursday, March 28, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at North Lake Missionary Baptist Church, 323 North Lake St., South Amherst with Rev. Carson Fraley, pastor officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, South Amherst.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 43099 North Ridge Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.