Porter, Leon Leon Porter, age 67 of White Cloud and Chicago, passed away Saturday, August 4, 2007 at his home in Big Rapids. Leon was born on February 23, 1940 in Chicago to Scott and Alberta Parker. Both Scott and Alberta preceded him in death. Leon attended the Dunbar Vocational High School in Chicago and played at Dunbar Basketball Team which won the 1958 Illinois State Championship in 1958. As a child, Leon was baptized at the Mt. Pleasant Church in Chicago. Leon had been employed by the Chicago Board of Health for more than 20 years and after retirement from the board of health, moved with his wife, Vera to White Cloud where he was employed at the Meijer Store in Big Rapids. He and his wife Vera have been together for 37 years. Leon enjoyed playing pool and basketball and was a sports enthusiast. He was a wonderful caregiver to the elderly and was a blessed person to help raise his 6 children. Leon leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Vera Porter; one daughter, Kimberly Brown of Indiana; 2 step sons, Vernon Thomas and Kevin (Regina) Thomas; 3 step daughters, Yvette Thomas, Elana Thomas, and Genora (Azariah) Martin; 2 brothers, Leonard Hill of Chicago, Illinois and Adolph Porter of Paris, France; many relatives and friends. Leon was preceded in death by his stepson, Matthew Thomas; 2 grandchildren, Sylvia and Ella Thomas. Memorial services were held on Saturday, August 11, 2007 at the White Cloud Church of God Empowerment Center with Minister James Jackson presiding. Friends may consider the Leon Porter family for memorial contributions in memory of Leon. Friends may also send a condolence or share a memory online at www.crandellfh.com. Arrangements by Crandell Funeral Home White Cloud Chapel. Click here to post a condolence of Leon Porter on-line Dear Mrs. Porter and the Porter Family, I was so shocked to hear of Leon's passing. My name is Marcia Cebulla and I work at the Jordan Law Office in Big Rapids, Michigan. I know Leon because I hired him to care for a Mr. Charles Kingsley several years ago. Leon was the best care giver that Charles ever had. He always made sure that Charles was properly fed, bathed and clothed..even though Charles gave him an incredibly hard time. I could always tell how much Leon loved Charles and devoted himself to him. He would bring Vera's cooking to try to "fatten up" Charles. Even now - Leon always had a beautiful smile for me every time I went into Meijers...sometimes we would reminisce about our journey with Charles before he passed away. Leon will be greatly missed and heaven will be a brighter place. My sincere condolences for your loss. Marcia R. Cebulla Posted 8/28/2007