Frank Moss Porter

Frank Moss Porter died peacefully on November 12, 2022, at the age of 90, at his son’s home in Berwick, Louisiana.  Frank was born August 24, 1932 near Nashville, Arkansas, the son of John William Porter and Johnnie Moss Porter.

            Frank Porter may be remembered by many people for many things.  Best known, perhaps, is that from the depths of his soul he was a musician.  From 7^th grade, when he began taking piano lessons, onward he knew this would be his life.  He graduated from LSU in music education with an emphasis on piano performance.  After military service as a Lieutenant navigator instructor in the Air Force, he began teaching music in schools in Indiana.  He also earned his Masters Degree at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, during this time. 

            After a few years, the family moved to Louisiana; living for one year in Leesville, before settling in Houma in 1964.  In Houma, Frank taught choral music to thousands of students over the years at Oaklawn Junior High and later at Ellender Junior High.  For many years, he also taught singing at various elementary schools in Terrebonne Parish.

            Frank taught private piano lessons in the afternoons to many students over the years.  He was an adjunct at Nicholls State University, teaching piano.  He often served as piano accompanist for choirs and soloists, church cantatas, and high school musical productions.

            After retiring from teaching in 1983, Frank and Pat became known for their craftwork.  For many years, they made many different wooden crafts, selling at craft shows throughout the south, including Southdown (for which, they were among the original crafters). 

            Gifted at working with wood, Frank had built several pieces of furniture; including a harpsichord and a roll-top desk.

            Frank and Pat’s home was always recognizable during the Christmas Season.  Their yard was filled with many Christmas decorations, lights, and even a few moving displays, all made by his hands.

            A Christian his whole life, and a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Houma, Frank held many leadership positions.  He was noted for his enthusiasm, his dedication and faith, his enjoyment of a conversation, as well as his smile and eye twinkle which touched many souls.  He loved to sing in the choir.  But he was best-loved as church musician for over 40 years.

            Frank was preceded in death by his parents, John and Johnnie Porter, brother Roy Dale Porter, and daughter Cynthia Lynn Porter.

            He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia Hodson Porter, his son Rev. Steven J. Porter and wife Sally, sister Mary Alice Rawlings, and his cherished grandchildren Katrena Ann King and husband Sky, Caleb Moss Porter, and Levi Scott Porter and girlfriend Brianna Augustine-Meredith.  Beyond family, many people’s lives have been touched and blessed by the life of Mr. Frank.

In lieux of flowers, you may give donations to the Music Fund at First United Methodist Church in Houma, La.

Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the memorial visitation at 1st United Methodist Church on Saturday, December 10, 2022, beginning at 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Religious Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place in Unity Cemetery in Nashville, Arkansas on December 17, 2022.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, December 17, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Latimer Funeral Home in Nashville, Arkansas with burial to follow in Unity Cemetery.

Chauvin Funeral Home and Crematory are honored to serve the family of Frank Porter.