LeRoy Earl Porter

LeRoy Earl Porter, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home after a long and fulfilling life devoted to faith, family, and service. He was 96 years old. 

LeRoy was born on March 1, 1929, the second of three children born to Afton Nebeker and Earl Leroy Porter. He was raised in the small farming community of Annabella, Utah, where his family owned 120 acres of farmland and raised livestock. LeRoy learned at a young age the value of hard work and responsibility - caring for livestock before and after school, planting and harvesting crops, and helping neighbors whenever needed. Surrounded by 15 cousins who lived nearby, as well as a beloved sister close in age, LeRoy’s childhood was rich with the companionship of family.

 He attended South Sevier High School, where his natural leadership and friendly nature earned him the role of Student Body President his senior year. 

He began studies at Brigham Young University, but when his father unexpectedly passed away at age 46, LeRoy withdrew from school to help his mother and finish harvesting the family’s crops. That season of loss and responsibility shaped his lifelong values of faith, perseverance and sense of duty to his family. Thereafter, he became a strength to his mother and an important father figure to his younger brother.

 LeRoy served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, laboring in Santa Cruz, Salinas, Watsonville, Stockton, and Sacramento, California. He returned to BYU, and once again, his leadership stood out as he was elected Student Body President for the 1952–53 school year, under the campaign slogan, “Let Porter Serve You.” 

During his time at BYU, LeRoy met the love of his life, Vonda Christensen. After a courtship that spanned two and a half years, they were married on March 19, 1954—a day filled with milestones, as he also graduated from BYU and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. 

He served on active duty for two years at Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming, where their first child, Toni, was born. LeRoy’s career in education began at the BYU Laboratory School, where he worked as a high school counselor and teacher for five years while simultaneously earning a master’s degree from BYU. During this time, daughters Patti and Cheryl joined the family. 

LeRoy’s desire to make a difference in education led him to pursue doctoral studies at Stanford University where he passed qualifying exams in three areas: Educational Psychology, Social Foundations of Education, and Guidance. While at Stanford, their son Gregory was born. 

An administrative internship with the Redwood City School District led to a long and meaningful career in the school district, where LeRoy served for many years as Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Special Education. 

Over the years, LeRoy became active in several professional organizations in the field of education, serving in leadership roles for many of them. Most notable was an invitation from the US Department of Education to serve as an advisor to help improve education in American Samoa, a position which he enjoyed for five years. He also served as president of Utah School Counselors Association as well as Bay Area Administrators of Special Education, and on the board of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapists.

In 1968, LeRoy and Vonda purchased a new home in Sunnyvale, California. Here, their fifth and youngest child, Christopher was born, completing their family. They would remain in this home for nearly six decades, raising their children, serving their community, and building a lifetime of memories.

 After retiring from a long and fulfilling career in education, LeRoy went to work with Vonda in residential real estate sales. Vonda had already established herself as a knowledgeable, honest, and service-oriented realtor, and when LeRoy joined her, they became dynamic partners, much loved by their clients. They worked together side by side for 20 years before LeRoy fully retired at age 81.

Throughout his life, LeRoy remained a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving faithfully in numerous callings, including seminary teacher, priesthood leader, bishop’s counselor and stake president’s counselor.

 LeRoy and Vonda shared an extraordinary 71 years of marriage, a union marked by devotion, service, laughter, and love. They remained in their Sunnyvale home until the end of their lives, surrounded by family and cherished memories, enjoying the life they built together. 

Vonda passed away in June, 2025, and in the months that followed, LeRoy felt her loss deeply. Of her, he said, “She was the light of my life”. May he now find comfort in her loving arms.

LeRoy is survived by five children, Toni Hulme (Rich) of Santa Barbara, CA, Patti Evans (Alan) of Sunnyvale, CA, Cheryl Ludlow (Victor) of Pleasant Grove, UT, Gregory Porter (Kaele) of Las Vegas, NV, and Christopher Porter (Adrienne) of San Juan Capistrano, CA. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and many beloved relatives and friends who will miss his wisdom, humor, and loving heart. LeRoy’s greatest joy was his family. His legacy of faith, work and love lives on in each of them. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 at 2:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 771 W. Fremont Avenue, Sunnyvale California. Family and friends may pay their respects at a viewing from 1:00 until 1:30, with a family prayer immediately following.

To leave condolences, visit www.legacyfunerals.com