Edward Lawn "Lawnie" Porter

Edward Lawn “Lawnie” Porter IV was born on September 2, 1943 in Oklahoma City to Edward L “Bud” Porter III and Phyllis Marie Golding Porter and passed away on May 6, 2025 in Norman, OK. He was 81 years young.

Lawnie was a Midwest City Bomber and after high school, attended Central State College (now, Central State University). He married his high school sweetheart, Judy Sue Holder. They were blessed with four children in their early years of marriage.

He had an entrepreneurial spirit and he started a construction company which entailed both commercial and residential building and remodeling. He maintained an excellent reputation, resulting in repeat customers and the word of mouth spread so he never had to advertise. He retired at the age of 62 due to some health issues. He held a board position of vice president for TP Machine & Tool Company, Inc. in which he loved the operational and detail of one of America’s great machining companies.

Lawnie was a quiet man and a thinker, a renaissance man. He was an avid reader and loved discussing philosophy. He was a kind, thoughtful, gentle, sweet man with high expectations of honesty, integrity, moral values and character.

He and Judy traveled some throughout the United States and to Hawaii a few times. He loved taking day trips to explore this beautiful earth. He went twice with his friend, Professor Bob and his colleagues to Oxford, England and truly enjoyed the history of the great university! But his favorite place was home where he loved the winter and his fireplace. He was known to go easily through 5 cords of wood in a season! He also loved watching OU football on TV (“Boomer”), not to mention “doggie” movies, westerns, ‘wood shop’ on YouTube and yes, even “the Great British Bake-off”--he couldn’t wait to see who the star baker would be!

“Poppi” loved and valued his children, grand children and great grand children. When he would hear they were coming to visit, his eyes would sparkle and the room would light up. His grand daughters would tell him “Poppi, you are a cute Poppi!” You could see his lips curl up with a smile. Caution though, if he was baby sitting, you might return home to the children climbing a ladder onto the roof or using a hammer or nail gun! He loved to hear about his grandchildren’s accomplishments and was so proud that they all received their college degrees.

He would always say It is important to keep a journal about “the Story of your life” to pass on to your next generation. They will be forever thankful.”

Lawnie was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents and his little brother Bill, his daughter, Tiffany Porter Bishop (2019) and his son Todd Paul Porter (2024). His in laws, Gladys Rose and Paul Holder, bother in law, Tom A Holder and nephew, Steve Lofton.

He is survived by his wife Judy Sue; daughter, Tami Hogan and husband, Patrick; son, Darren Porter and wife, Sandy; sister Jan Robinson and husband, Lonnie; sister in law, Paula Jo Kelly and aunt, Eileen Hanlan. Grandchildren, Dustin “Dr” Porter and wife, Ciji; Sarah Rose Porter and partner, Mauricio Mexicano; Joshua Porter and fiancé, Ariel Ray; Bunni Bishop; Jonathan Porter and wife, Michelle and Gigi Rose Hogan. Great grandchildren, Cambrya and Declan Porter and Gianna Mexicana. Nieces and nephews Scott Lofton and wife, Kim; Kelly Plumbtree and husband, Mark; Monica Hudson; Holli Browning and husband, Justin; Troy Dale Robinson and wife, Whitney; Angel Neimann; Tompaul Holder and wife, Kristen. Plus, many great nieces and great nephews and friends.

A memorial celebration will be held at the Holy City Chapel in Medicine Park, Oklahoma, November 8, 2025. His wish was to be ‘Home on the Range, Where the Buffalo Roam’.

Please consider a donation to the American Heart Association or to the Parkinson’s Foundation in lieu of flowers.