Richard "Dick" Howard Porter

December 21, 1935 – August 26, 2026

Richard "Dick" Howard Porter, a dedicated hard-working rancher and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2026, at the age of 90 and will be truly missed by his loved ones.

Dick was born on December 21, 1935 in Edgemont, SD. He attended all twelve years at Edgemont Schools and then went to Black Hills State University from 1954 to 1956. A proud American who loved his country, he honorably served in the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper from 1956 to 1958. Following his military service, Dick turned his passion toward the land, working as a dedicated rancher from 1958 until his retirement in 2003. He married Judy Chase in 1963 and they began their family in 1964 with their first daughter Laura. Daughters Terri and Paula were born soon thereafter and last but not least, they completed their family with Jessica in 1979. It was very important to Dick to show his daughters the value of hard work and they were right alongside him, working the cattle and sheep, haying and doing chores morning and night. Somehow, he was able to teach them how to anticipate what tool he was going to need when working on ranch equipment.

Dick was important to his local and ranching communities, serving on the Edgemont School Board, as a past director of both the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association and the South Dakota Stock Growers Association, and as a lifelong member of the Western South Dakota Buckaroos. Dick loved the western lifestyle and enjoyed watching rodeos, talking about livestock and ranching, reading western history, and spending time with family. Above all, Dick was deeply passionate about his Catholic faith, which guided him throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvina and Harry Porter; his brother, Ralph Porter; and his dearly missed grandson, Logan Van Eaton.

Dick leaves behind a rich legacy of love and devotion. He is survived by Judy Porter, his wife for forty years; his daughters, Laura (Johnny) Gabrielson, Terri (Jon) Lautt, Paula (Tim) Schaack, and Jessica (Wyatt) Van Eaton; and his brothers, Bill (Connie) Porter and Tom (Peggy) Porter and nieces and nephews. He was a proud and loving grandfather to Cortney (Chris) Jones, Jake (Annie) Cadwell, Whitney Harper, Cooper (Taylor) Jensen, Josh (Koel) Barker, Avery (Colt) Travnicek, Tel Schaack, Treg Schaack, and Tres Schaack, as well as a cherished great-grandfather to 13 great-grandchildren.

Christian Funeral Vigil will be held 6:00 p.m., Sunday, August 30, 2026 at St. James Catholic Church in Edgemont, SD.

Christian Funeral Mass will be held 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 31, 2026, at St. James Catholic Church in Edgemont, SD., followed by committal service at Edgemont Cemetery in Edgemont, SD.

Memorials may be sent to the State Veterans Home, 2500 Minnekahta Avenue, Hot Springs, S.D. 57747.