Paul Cook Porter

In the early morning of September 28, 2024, Paul Cook Porter passed away peacefully due to natural causes at Creekside Senior Living, Bountiful, UT. He was 96 years old.

Paul was born in Morgan, UT to Warren and Bertha Porter on April 10, 1928. He was raised both in Morgan and in Panguitch, UT. He married Estella Dixie Dickson on December 10, 1947 in the Salt Lake City Temple. They had three children. In 1952 they moved to Sacramento, CA where he worked for Continental Baking (Wonder Bread and Hostess Cake). He moved to many cities in California during the course of his career, retiring in 1988.

Paul was a committed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He led a life of service. His devotion was best exemplified by his service to his family, especially to Dixie, whose health (diabetes for 61 years) took a serious toll on her body. Every thought was to help Dixie, including helping her manage her diabetes after she had lost her sight. This involved checking blood sugar levels and administering insulin multiple times a day. He held many callings including a sealer in the Oakland and Bountiful temples. Along with his wife he served missions in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission, the Ohio Cincinnati Mission, and in the humanitarian room in Bountiful Utah. 

He loved music from an early age and was taught by his mother to play the violin and to sing, bringing lots of music into his and Dixie’s home. After retirement he would purchase old pianos, refurbish them, and then sell them again. He also started a small business of piano tuning. Paul was known for his even temper, his kindness to all, and the appreciation he showed to everyone. He loved his family dearly. 

Paul is preceded in death by his wife Dixie in 2019, his parents and all nine siblings. He is survived by his children Patricia (Grant) Shaw of Auburn, California, James (Kathy) currently serving as full time missionaries in Texas and David (Angela) of North Salt Lake, as well as 18 grandchildren, 72 great grandchildren, and 5 great great grandchildren.

Currently eight family members are serving full-time missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

And remember, "Thank you, thank you, thank you," "Whatever you have the most of," and "Drive carefully!"

Special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Creekside Senior Living, where Paul resided for the last five and a half years, as well the compassionate people at Ovation Hospice.

A viewing will be held at Russon Mortuary, 295 N. Main Street, Bountiful on Sunday, October 6th, from 6 to 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1476 N. 300 W., Bountiful, on Monday, October 7th at 11:00 AM, with a viewing prior from 9:45 - 10:45 AM.  

Services will be streamed live on Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.