Walter Champion Porter

Walter Champion Porter, age 68, of Elgin, IL, passed away on May 27, 2026. He was born in Indianapolis, IN to his loving parents, Mark Champion Porter and Nancy Lee (née Williams) Porter Bowden.

Walt spent most of his career working in the electronics maintenance field, specifically plastic injection molding. His career spanned various companies, beginning with the Courtesy Corporation in 1995, and ending with Flex in Buffalo Grove, IL, where he retired in 2026. However, his career did not define him; it was his passions and his service to others that truly illuminated his character. He was a man who loved the simple joys of life—fishing, golfing, gardening, bowling, traveling, and barbecuing, with a specialty in chicken. He held various leadership roles in the Watch City Post 1307 VFW Elgin, IL, the US Navy Club Ship 7, and the Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association. He will be remembered for his significant contributions, including planning phases 1 and 2 of the Elgin Veterans Memorial Park and organizing services to honor those buried at sea.

Walt was a man of many journeys, from visiting all 50 states to grayling fishing in Alaska, and seeing Australia and Africa while in the Navy. But no matter where he was, his heart was always anchored by his love for his family and friends.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, Mark Champion Porter and Nancy Lee Porter Bowden; stepfather, Leroy Bowden; mother-in-law, Margaret Hardesty; sisters, Peggy Mathes and Lisa Johnson; and sisters-in-law, Bobbie Jean Stephenson and Rose Hardesty. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Porter; son, Mark Porter; sisters, Mary (Bill) Geiersbach and Denise (Craig) Aspin; brother, James (Bobbie) Stephenson; stepbrother, Michael Bowden; father-in-law, Oliver Hardesty; sister-in-law, Sandy (Steve) Hoeft; brothers-in-law, David Hardesty, John (Dorothy) Hardesty, and Ron (Kay) Hardesty; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, with service at 7:00pm, Monday, June 8, 2026, at Symonds Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Vistiation will continue from 10:00am until service at 11:30am. Rev. Tim Perry will be officiating both services.

Interment with military honors will follow at 2:30pm at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, 20953 W. Hoff Road, Elwood, IL 60421.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.

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