Larry Porterfield, February 21, 1951 to July 28, 2009

Larry Rankin Porterfield was born in Wheeling, West Virginia and spent his childhood in and around Beverly, Ohio. Larry’s aptitude in math and curiosity about the business world was nurtured by his Grandfather Porterfield, who taught him mental toughness and an intense desire to succeed. Growing up, Larry helped with the family farm enough to know that he had different ambitions. He attended The Ohio State University and majored in finance and computer science. At the age of 20, he married his high school sweetheart, Jo, with whom he had two sons. He graduated from The Ohio State University in 1972 and started his career at General Electric in their executive training program. He was later recruited by Sprint in 1988 and left in 2002 having served as a Vice President in several key organizations. In the last few years, he was very successful with his own business, The Willow Creek Group, named after the family dairy farm in St Clairesville, Ohio. While he worked hard, he knew how to play too. His love of golf took him all over the country and he played several memorable rounds with Arnold Palmer. Most recently, he stayed at and played the great Augusta National Golf Course this past March. Larry was a loving father, great leader, loyal friend, die-hard Buckeye fan, and card shark. Larry was well known for his mentoring, for living life on his own terms, and his famous “Porterfield-isms”, including “it’s not who you know but who knows you”.
While not a fan of the win-loss record of the KC Chiefs for the last few years, Larry was typically one of the first in the gates for over a decade at most home games in order to scope out the best spot for tailgating. His grilling skills were well known and something he took great pride in. He always estimated cook times as either “one or two highballs”. Since childhood, he also had a passion for Lionel trains and began passing the tradition down to his grandsons this past Christmas, giving each a special edition Ohio State University set that played the fight song.
Larry is survived by his former wife Jo, his two sons, Jason and Alex, their respective wives Andrea and Jamie, and his grandchildren James, Brannon, Alison and “a player to be named” (due August 15th). He is also survived by his brother, Kirke, his devoted friend, Janet Taylor, and countless others whose lives he touched. Visitation will be held from 2-3 pm on Friday July 31st at Mount Moriah Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, KC, immediately followed by the funeral service at the same location. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org).

Summertime

Because there is nothing cuter then a baby girl in a swimsuit. My beautiful Ali Mae.






And a bonus, not from the pool, but Little Karen! I mean Alison!





And Classic James

Cale and Pictures from Conner

Without further Adieu, here is Cale Jacob.



These two pictures are for Aunt Jenna and Uncle Reid.
The first is James striking a pose at Mr. McClure's (sorry if I got the spelling wrong) wood shop at Conner.
The second is James making himself at home on the step at McClure's house.

More Pictures

Here are the pictures of James "ballooning"! Thank you Papa Jay for letting us help!


What are we supposed to do Alice?


Oh, well, I can do that!


And this one is Mommy's indulgence, it was just cute.

I am back....and have a new nephew!

Well, I am so sorry it has been a ridicolously long time since I posted, most of you probably though I gave up on blogging, but no, I am just a little tired in the evenings really. That being said, I thought what better time to reenter the posting world then to announce the arrival of Cale Jacob, my new nephew born at around 6:30 this evening. He is health and BIG. With a head the size of 15 inches! Also, he is 8 lbs. 9 oz. (see my last post, only a pound lighter then my child at 2 months of age). He is also 20 1/2 inches! So welcome to the family Cale, hope you like that Fout nose :)

In other news, my baby celebrated 7 months on July 4th, I cannot believe it. Below is a picture from a few weeks ago. She is now, at last check 16.5 lbs. and still a happy baby.

Here she is a few weeks ago.





James is also doing great. He loves his baby sister and is having fun swimming this summer at the pool.

We did have a busy July 3rd. July 4th was rained out but we had fun at Albi's house (I mean Papa Jay and Alice's house).

July 3rd was first Conner Prairie. I have pictures, they will have to be come later. Computer is not cooperating.

Then ballooning! Here are some pics, I did not get the ones of James loaded before the computer gave out on me, but here are some for viewing!





I will post pics of Cale as soon as I have them!