Wendell V. Porter, age 51, resident of 5597 SR 98, Tiro, died unexpectedly Tuesday, March 4, 2003 at his home. Born March 27, 1951 in Genoa, West Virginia the majority of his life had been spent in the Shelby area. For many years Wendell was an employee of Bowsher's Bakery and for the past eleven years he was a truck driver with Estep Express Inc. He was a member of the VFW Post #291, American Legion Post #326 and the Shelby Owls Club and enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and his dog, Jack II. A veteran of the US Army he served during Vietnam. Surviving is his wife, Shirley, (Jordan) Porter whom he wed June 3, 1974; two sons, Tracy Wallace and Jeffrey V. Porter both of Tiro; four daughters and sons-in-law, Tammy and John Stevens of Mansfield; Dolores and Joe Probst of Tiro; Wendy and Matthew Hill of Shelby; Tara and Tim Warren of Shelby; 11 grandchildren, Justin, Jona and Jeremy Stevens; Lindsay Probst; Cody and Kirkland Porter; Austin and Cristian Hill; Taylor, Thailynn and Teagan Warren; his mother, Cindy (Queen) Porter of Shelby; three brothers and one sister-in-law, Virgil and Patty Porter of Shelby; Bernie Porter of Shelby; Mike Porter of Georgia; one sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Ralph Cassity of Shelby; nieces, nephews and other relatives; and special friends, Bob Martin and Earl Estep. He was preceded in death by his father, Virgil Porter, Sr. and one sister, Martha Ann Pocious. Funeral services will be held 10:30 AM Saturday from the Barkdull Funeral Home. Reverend Travis McKenzie of the Bethel Freewill Baptist Church will officiate with interment in Oakland Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 5 to 8 PM. Memorial expressions may be made in care of the family.