May 12, 1961- November 30, 2017
Daniel Porter was born premature, and he was called home prematurely on November 30, 2017. Dan was born in Stockton, CA to James R. Porter and Beverly J. Porter Blixt on May 12, 1961. Dan attended Kennedy Elementary School until his family moved to Lockford. He graduated from Lodi High School. He lettered in football and made the Lodi All-Star Team. He enjoyed all sports, including tennis, baseball, football, bowling, golf, swimming, and water skiing. Dan played baseball with his father and brother, Rick, until his father passed away. They played for the Ambler’s Club and Stockton Parks and Recreation. His father was inducted into the Stockton Softball Hall of Fame.
After attending Delta College for two years, Dan joined the Navy in 1984. He graduated from boot camp as an E2 and was assigned to the U.S.S. Carl Vinson nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. It was one of the largest aircraft carriers, housing 6,000 sailors. In 1987 the aircraft carrier was assigned to the Persian Gulf. During a heavy storm, Dan was severely injured. He was air lifted to Hawaii and flown to Alameda, CA. He had multiple injuries from head to toe. The most severe was his head injury. He was on his last tour and had served three years and nine months when he was injured. Dan was given a medical honorable discharge in 1987.
After multiple surgeries and rehabilitation from some of his orthopedic injuries, Dan went back to playing golf, baseball, and bowling with his brother. His last three years of bowling, before his brother became too ill to bowl, he bowled with his mother and brother. Dan was committed to attending special occasions and holidays with his family. Dan had an extra big heart. When his neighbor had a heart attack, Dan volunteered to mow his neighbor’s lawn. Another neighbor fell off his roof, and Dan took out his garbage and trash cans until Dan passed away. Dan volunteered at the Philomathean club with house cleaning and other duties until a new housekeeper was hired. The Philomathean club awarded Dan with a special certificate and honorary membership for his outstanding services.
Dan was very close to his family. Dan’s brother was musically talented. Rick played piano, clarinet, and saxophone. His sister was academic and became a pharmacist, but Dan was athletic. Dan did play the drums and sometimes went with his brother to gigs. His love of life was his family and dogs. He leaves behind two dogs, Coco and Rudy. Dan never found his pets. They were always given to him. They were always dropped off in his neighborhood. He never had to go to the pet store or the pound.
Dan was preceded in death by his father James R. Porter; step-father Gordon F. Blixt; his brother Richard J. Porter; grandparents Richard and Helen Porter, JD and Vivian Polk; and uncles, aunts, and cousins. He is survived by his mother Beverly (Polk) Porter Blixt; his sister Sherrie J. Silva; nieces Roxy Porter, Dr. Sabrina Silva-McKenzie, Dr. Stacie Silva, Audrina McKenzie; nephews Jason Porter, Andrew McKenzie, Vincent Silva Misasi; close friend Susan; and many cousins.
Dan suffered injuries from an accident on November 24, 2017. He held on until November 30, 2017, giving his family time to visit and accept that he was going home to be with his brother and loved ones. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed. Contributions would be appreciated to Wounded Warrior Project or a United States Military charity of choice.
VISITATION
Visitation for Daniel Porter will be held Friday, December 15 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi.
SERVICES
A funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, December 16 at 10:00 am in the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi.