Graham Porter

Graham Porter, 1,209 months of age, embarked on his final adventure Sunday, January 28, surrounded by loving family.

He was born in St. Joseph, Missouri April 28, 1917, the youngest of four children of Mary Lacy Porter and George Edwin Porter. He graduated from Central High School in St. Joe in 1935, and from the University of Missouri in 1939. A graduate of post-graduate school at the Naval Academy, he served four years as a naval officer in World War II. Graham’s experience there strengthened his commitment to living a life of peace and harmony.

After starting his career in banking, he moved to Kansas City in 1949.  While working as a banker, Graham published several books including “Small Wonder,” a New York Times bestseller, in 1957. He authored numerous short stories, which appeared in Reader’s Digest, and also taught creative writing at local colleges and universities.

Graham retired as Vice President of Marketing from Commerce Bancshares in 1972. He was briefly with ISC Industries and Cook Paint and Varnish Company, both as Director of Marketing.

Beginning in 1983, Graham was able to devote himself to creative pursuit’s full time, including fiction writing, painting, and photographic portraiture.  He opened a photographic studio that became an instant success. Graham developed a special technique for creating scenic photographs with an impressionistic style, long before Photoshop made such enhancements possible. He often applied color to each print, making each piece an original. His photography captured the spirit and intimate details of the places he loved to visit, especially Switzerland, England and France. Graham’s photographic portraits, with a distinct casual style, hang in the homes of countless appreciative Kansas City residents.

Graham married Mary Alicia Owen in February, 1946, with whom he had four beautiful daughters. After she died in 1988, he embraced the next chapter of his life, marrying Ellen Kirwan Schreiber in 1992. They shared many interests, including a love of travel and nature, and an appreciation of beauty.

Graham was a long-time member of Kansas City Country Club and an avid golfer. He had four holes-in-one, the most recent at age 88!

Known for his clever wit and playfulness, Graham found joy in everyday moments and treasured time with family above all else. He viewed the world through a lens of optimism, gratitude and joy. Besides his writings, photographs, and paintings, his legacy is one of encouraging all who knew him to greet each day with a sense of wonder and an open heart. This philosophy is well expressed in his book “The Blessings of Beauty,” published by Hallmark in 1976.

Graham is survived by his loving wife and remarkable caregiver, Ellen, daughters Anne Porter Magnuson (Bruce) of Colorado Springs, CO, Pamela Burwell (Randy) of Leawood, KS, Lisa Casey (Tim) of Canby, OR, and Mary Porter (Ron Freeman) of Baltimore, MD, and step-daughter Britten Schreiber, Leawood, KS. He was known as “Holly” to his adoring grandchildren: Amanda Casey, Quinn Casey, Lacy Hecker, Mary Hecker Dunstan, Graham Stockdale, Nate Stockdale, Alicia Metz, Eva Metz, Bennett Schreiber-Devoy and great grandchild, Daniel Dunstan. Also survived by devoted sisters-in-law Catherine Barton, Juliet Kirwan and Phyllis Kirwan, and long-time dear friend and former son-in-law Dan Hecker DVM, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to The Parkinson’s Foundation Heartland Chapter, 8900 State Line Rd, Leawood, KS 66206, or Unity Temple on the Plaza Chancel Choir, 707 West 47th St., Kansas City, MO 64112.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Unity Temple on the Plaza, with a reception to follow. At Graham’s request, “casual attire most welcome.”