Kenneth (Ken) Bryan Porter
June 5, 1967 ~ September 30, 2022
Kenneth (Ken) Bryan Porter, 55, died in his family's home with loved ones by his side on Friday, September 30th, 2022. Ken was born in Kansas City, Missouri to Quillin and Yolanda (Villalpando) Porter. Preceded in death by his Father; Quillin Porter; and Sister, Tiffany (Porter) Phelps. He was very caring and devoted to his surviving family members, his Mother, Yolanda Porter; Step Dad, Jim Daffron; both of Wichita, KS; Sisters, Alexis (Patrick) Miller of Valley Center, KS, Traci (Jimmy) Jordan of Skiatook, OK; Brothers, Chad Porter of Tulsa, OK, and Mike (Tina) Smith of Wichita, KS; Nephews, Andrew (Emma) Painter of Valley Center, KS; Taylor Hewitt of Brooklyn, New York; Niece, Aubrey Painter of Manhattan, KS; and Great Nephew, Rowan Painter of Valley Center, KS.
Ken was a creative problem solver who could design and build anything, enjoying woodworking and model airplanes. His handiwork skills were self-taught, and he created many gifts for his loved ones. He attended Okmulgee Design Institute and the University of Arkansas. Ken worked for most of his life as a successful car dealership general manager and contributed to building car dealerships in Northwest Arkansas.
Ken grew up in both Wichita, Kansas and Blue Springs, Missouri; Northwest Arkansas was his chosen home. He lived most of his life there, only spending his last few months with his family in Wichita.
Visitation will start at 12:00 PM with the Funeral service following at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 8, 2022, at Downing and Lahey West Chapel.
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Ken was one of the most kind hearted, humble, caring and generous people I know. He was always there for you if you needed a shoulder to lean on without judgement. You couldn’t ask for a better friend. He had such a kind smile and would always greet you with a smile even if it was over the phone, you could hear it in his voice. He was fun to joke around with and had such a fun laugh that you couldn’t help but laugh too. He had a way of making things feel better just by listening and when I say that, I mean he truly actively listened and genuinely cared. I knew ken over 20 years, met him when he was working at Mazda in Springdale. I think I was around 16 or 17ish. Every time I would go in for my car service he would say “let me see your finger, are you married yet” Haha He was so encouraging and the type of friend that was really happy for you when you accomplished something. He took such pride in all the things he did from woodwork to fixing up his house. I remember calling one day and he was painting his cabinets and he made it sound like it was just a little project to make his kitchen look a little nicer. Next thing I knew he was fixing up something else and I said “I thought you were just painting your cabinets” his response was “wellll, I decided [this or that] needed fixing up too”. 😆
We would have long talks about so many things but something that I always appreciated was that Ken was a man of integrity. He showed it in his words and actions. He would let someone know if what they were doing did not show integrity no matter what the consequences because he genuinely wanted all people to be treated properly. There are so many things I could say but, bottom line is, Ken was a great person inside and out. He will be deeply missed.
Such sad news, Ken’s passing. We were neighbors for only a couple of years but in those years Ken was the best. We have lost a kind, generous man and I will always think of him with fondness and respect.
Virginia or as Ken called me for about a year Victoria, our little inside laugh.
I met Ken back in 1990. He worked with my mother at Thies meat packing plant. We spent allot of time together hanging out with friends after work. We laughed allot. I truly loved him. My mom, Margo thought of him as a son. She thought he was a great guy. I’m just shocked to see he has passed. My prayers go out to his family and friends.