Dayton Porter, age 88, of Olive Hill, Kentucky, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at his residence, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born Wednesday, April 20, 1938, in Carter County, Kentucky, a son of the late William A. and Elizabeth Catron Porter.
Dayton was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved The Lord deeply, his church, his family, and his community. He gave us our foundation in faith in Jesus Christ and taught us how to live a good life. He instilled in us strong values and showed us how to treat others with kindness, love, and respect.
A hard worker, Dayton took immense pride in a job well done. In his own words “If I had my druthers, I’d rather have my hands in the dirt.” He was the owner of Porter Monument Sales for 62 years. He retired as Carter County State Highway Maintenance Foreman in 1994. He loved his cattle and farmed his entire life.
Dayton loved life and cherished the time he spent with his family. He enjoyed attending church, sharing meals and fellowship at Walker’s Restaurant, and simply being surrounded by the people he loved.
His faith, dedication, hard work, and love for his family and community will be remembered and treasured by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of over 29 years, Nora Jean McCoy Harr Porter; one great-granddaughter, Poppy Flora Fehring; two brothers, Tracy Porter, Roy Porter; five sisters, Ethel James, Mae Porter, Irene Mabry, Treda Mundy and Conny Lane.
Dayton is survived by one son, Mark (Janie) Porter of Olive Hill, Kentucky; three daughters, Jackie Porter of Morehead, Kentucky, Micha (Jamie) Ertel of Milford, Ohio, Delrita (James) Wells of Morehead, Kentucky; eight grandchildren, Vanessa, Tabitha, Lauren, Zach, Paige, Macy, Zoe, Kraig; ten great-grandchildren, Isabella, Sophia, Nora, Tripp, Reese, Madison, Eleanor, Walker, Cosmo and Goldie; step-children, Jimmie (Evelyn) Harr of Olive Hill, Kentucky, David Harr of Morehead, Kentucky; two step-grandchildren, Christopher Wardlow, Brittnee Harr (Curt); one step-great-grandson, Brantlee Fultz, along with many other family, friends and neighbors who will sadly miss him.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Monday, September 21, 2026, at Fairview Methodist Church, 2796 State Hwy 504, Olive Hill, Kentucky, with Brother John Lambert officiating. Burial will follow in Catron Cemetery in Elliott County.
Friends may visit from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., Sunday, September 20, 2026, at Globe Funeral Chapel, 17277 West US Hwy 60, Olive Hill and after 10 a.m., Monday, September 21, 2026, at Fairview Methodist Church, until the service hour.
Kraig Ertel, Herman Conn, Tracy Joe Elliott, James Wells, Charles P’Simer and Tanner P’Simer will serve as pallbearers.
Rex Stamper, Jamie Ertel, Jewell Porter, Carl Busetter, Zach Ertel, Jake Stamper, Ronnie Burchett, Christopher Wardlow and Marty Walker will serve as honorary pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Fairview Methodist Church, 2564 St Rt. 504, Olive Hill, Kentucky, 41164.
Globe Funeral Chapel in Olive Hill, Kentucky is honored to serve the family of Dayton Porter.
