Otis L. Porter

Otis L. Porter, 90, of Kokomo, Indiana, passed away at 8:11 am, Sunday, April 19, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 30, 1935, the son of Roy A. and Gwendoline (Eckles) Porter. On December 25, 1971, he married Barbara A. (Cowgill) Bridegroom at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Kokomo, IN and she survives.

Otis retired in 1992 as a group leader at GM – Delco Electronics after 30 ½ years of service. He was a member of Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer. Otis served in the U.S. Air Force from 1953 to 1958. He enjoyed playing music and played different instruments. Otis won several state and national tournaments playing horseshoes, and was active at the Eagles Lodge where he enjoyed bowling and was one of the top bowlers. He liked watching western movies, playing Euchre and games with friends and family.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara; daughter, Donna Burns; son, Tony (Velda) Porter; daughter in law, Debbie Neighbors; granddaughters, Vicki Gauvey, Barbara Ann Gray, Jessica McVay, and Brittney (Daniel) Yates; grandson, Shawn (Nucole) Neighbors; several great-grandchildren; step-son, Michael Bridegroom; step-daughters, Cristina (Jim) Moore and Jennifer (Brian) Beaver; 1 step-granddaughter; 3 step-grandsons; brother, Gale Hendricks; step-brother, Roy Porter; and step-sister, Vickey Roop.

Otis was preceded in death by his mother, Gwendoline (Eckles) Porter-Hendricks; father, Roy A. Porter; daughter, Deana Porter; son, Steve Neighbors; 3 grandsons, James Gauvey, Christopher Gauvey, and Scott Neighbors; step-granddaughter, Mandy Moore; brothers, Larry Porter and Roy Porter; half-sister, Carly Hillis; and step-brother, Danny Porter.

A funeral service celebrating Otis’ life will be held at 1 pm, Friday, April 24, 2026, at Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 705 Southway Blvd East, Kokomo, Indiana, with Pastor John Dreyer officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memory Garden Cemetery with military honors provided by the U.S. Air Force and the Kokomo V.F.W. Military Rites Team. Friends are invited to visit with the family from 11 am until the time of the service. Shirley & Stout Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. Memorial contributions can be made to Redeemer Lutheran School or a charity of the donor’s choice. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.shirleyandstout.com.

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