Donald James Porter's Obituary
Donald James Porter, a lifelong resident of Eustis, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2013 at the age of 98 years. He was born February 11, 1915 to Burdette G. and Louise Porter. Don was a Deacon and Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis. In his younger years he loved boating on the Florida waterways. He was the former owner/operator of Porter's Cameras and Gifts in Eustis. Don served as the first Mayor of Eustis under the City Manager form of government in the 1950’s. While serving as a City Commissioner (three terms) Sunset Island Recreational Facility was acquired. Sunset Island includes the Senior Service Center, shuffleboard courts, tennis courts, handball courts, park and playground facilities and the bridge and boat ramp facility on Lakeshore Drive. After serving on the City Commission Don founded the City of Eustis RV Park which was formerly the Eustis Gun Club. The Eustis RV Park is a boon to the Eustis economy and over the years has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors to Eustis. He was a member of the Elks Lodge and former member of the Kiwanis Club, Civil Air Patrol, member and Past President of the Florida Avion Travel Club. Don was also a member of the Family Motor Coach Association and traveled all around the United States and Canada. He also enjoyed traveling to study his ancestry. Don was preceded in death in 2009 by his wife, Gladys; they were married for 72 years. He is remembered and will be missed by his sons, Donald and his wife, Linda of Dunnellon, FL and David and his wife, Syl of Eustis; 4 grandchildren, Tammy (Jay) DeShan of McKinney, TX, David T. (Sue) Porter of Mount Dora, FL, Julie Porter of Cary, NC, and Michael Porter of Geneva, Switzerland; 5 great grandchildren, David T. Porter, Jr., Josh Porter, Justin DeShan, Jeremy DeShan, Jason DeShan; and 2 great great grandchildren, Haley Porter and Cameron Porter. Family and friends are invited to gather for viewing on Thursday, November 21 from 10:30 am until the service time of 11:00 am at the First Presbyterian Church of Eustis. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery, Eustis. Condolences, memories, photos and videos may be shared on the tribute wall at www.HamlinHilbish.com
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