Eshmal Porter

Eshmal LaVern Porter, 86, formerly of St. Louis, Mo., was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on Friday, April 13, 2018. He was the husband of Betty Jean Lathrop to whom he was married for 62 years. Born in Akron, Ohio, he was the son of the late Lowell and Ruby (Manahan) Porter. Eshmal was a wonderful husband and father and was known for his generosity. His greatest passion in life was for people to know Christ as their savior and have a close, personal relationship with Him. After a career at McDonnell Douglas (currently Boeing), he joined the staff of his church and became an ordained minister, working with small groups and personal discipleship. He touched the lives of many people through his ministry and gentle, caring manner. He is survived by his wife, Betty; his brother, L. Eugene and spouse Vickie, of Wayne City, Ill.; his children, Douglas (Burlington, Vt.), Denise (Lookout Mountain, Ga.), and David (Hanover, Pa.); their spouses Angelyn Bass, David Baker, and Karen Porter; four grandchildren, Noah, Ethan, Andrew, and Lindsay; and three great grandchildren, Ellie, Ruby, and Caleb. Eshmal served in the US Navy and will be buried in the National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tenn. on Tuesday, April 17, at 2:30 p.m. His Celebration of Life will be held at Lookout Mountain Presbyterian Church at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hope International (227 Granite Run Dr., Lancaster, Pa. 17601). Arrangements are by Wann Funeral Home and Cremation Center. Please share your memories, stories and photos at www.wannfuneralhome.com