Larry Robert Porter

Larry Robert Porter entered this world on January 14, 1946 in Charleston, West Virginia. He passed away unexpectedly on June 14, 2020 at the age of 74. He loved sports throughout his youth and played basketball, baseball, and football. He also loved spending time outdoors and fishing. The mountains and lakes were his favorite places and he loved listening to the rain. Larry acquired a strong love of music at a very young age that lasted his entire life.

He was very talented and sang and played the guitar throughout his life. He was often compared to Elvis Presley because he looked like Elvis and sounded like Elvis when he sang. He really loved Elvis, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and a lot of other music.

Larry lived in Tucson, Arizona in his youth and graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston, West Virginia in 1965. He joined the United States Navy shortly after graduating high school and served our country in the Vietnam war. He was on the USS Pine Island from 1966-1967 and was on the USS Ticonderoga from 1967-1969. On his way home after his discharge from the Navy, he met the love of his life Gail Azar on the bus. They met again at Trinidad State Junior College where they both attended college. Larry Porter and Gail Azar were married on March 26, 1971 and had a great love that lasted a lifetime. Larry graduated with his Associates Degree in Law Enforcement in 1971 from Trinidad State Junior College. After graduation, he became a police officer in Trinidad, Colorado.

His first daughter Patricia Ann Marie Porter was born on October 26, 1971. Larry graduated from Southern Colorado State College in 1974 with a bachelor's degree in Behavioral Science. His second daughter, Michelle Lynn Porter was born on April 23, 1974. In 1974 he moved with his family to Aspen, Colorado where he was a Deputy Sheriff. While living in Aspen, he also worked security at the airport where he met many celebrities. He also was John Denver's personal security guard while living in Aspen. Larry and his family moved to Denver, Colorado in 1976 where he got a job with the State of Colorado as a Criminal Investigator. His third daughter Rebecca Rose Porter was born on January 22, 1980. He spent the rest of his career with the State of Colorado and became the Chief Criminal Investigator and earned many awards and had many accomplishments. He was the main fingerprint expert in the state of Colorado. He was the president of the Metropolitan Law Enforcement Association in 1995. Larry retired in May of 2001 from the State of Colorado. After retirement from the State of Colorado, he worked as a Community Resource Officer with the Westminster Police Department. He later worked security for Boulder Community Hospital. He also loved stock cars and racing and worked for a time for Bandimere Speedway after retirement.

Larry is survived by his beloved wife Gail; his three daughters Patricia Farr (Dan), Michelle Gipe (Jared), Rebecca Snyder (Scott); his three grandchildren Braden, Caleb and Abby; and many other loving family members and friends. Larry adored his wife Gail and she was the love of his life. He loved his kids and grandkids so very much. He also greatly loved his many friends and neighbors. Larry was over six foot six inches tall and was a gentle giant. He was kind, gentle, caring, and giving. He made a friend everywhere he went. He had such an outgoing and vibrant personality and touched so many lives and left such a great legacy. He will be deeply missed by all of his family and friends.

“Elvis has left the building.”

Due to the current health concerns, services will be held in a private manner at this time. Thank you for your understanding. If you would like to order flowers for the private services or the family, please contact the funeral home.

Memorial Donations may be made in Larry’s honor to:
The American Diabetes Association
P.O. Box 15829
Arlington, VA 22215
https://www.diabetes.org/donate
1-800-DIABETES (800-342-2383)

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