Obituary of Merle F. Porter

Bedford Merle F. Porter, 89, of Bedford, died Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his family. Born February 24, 1924 in Lawrence Co., he was the son of Frank and Elsie (Jackson) Porter. He married Mary Frances Tarr on October 1, 1950 and she survives. He was a graduate of Shawswick High School with the class of 1942. He was a life-long farmer and in the dairy business for forty-six years. He was very handy and could fix most any farm machinery. He loved his granddaughters and enjoyed being around his great grandchildren, and he also loved music, especially country and gospel. He wrote several songs; his first, Back on my Tractor Again in 1955 which was a parody on the Gene Autry song, Back in the Saddle Again. He was more recently known for his singing The Long Black Train. He had played at Mr. Gattis in Bedford and Crazy Joes. He enjoyed playing his guitar and singing at his church, New Hope Community. Survivors include his wife, Mary Frances, of Bedford; a daughter, Karen L. Dailey and husband, Robert, of Bedford; two granddaughters, Brooks Rush and husband, John, of Anderson, SC, Becky Johnson and husband, Chris of Bedford; three great grandchildren, Finley, Fallyn and Foster Johnson all of Bedford; one brother, Jack Porter of Goose Creek, SC; four nieces, Patty Smith of Indianapolis, Ruth Barrett and Judy Johnson both of Bedford, Debbie Mahoney of North Vernon; one nephew, Danny Dillon of Columbus; one sister-in-law, Ruth Dillon of Columbus. He was preceded in death by his parents, four half-brothers, Joe, Raleigh and Ervin Porter and Ed Holland. Funeral Information Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 pm on Friday, June 28th in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary. Burial will follow in the Green Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until the hour of service on Friday, June 28th at the Day & Carter Mortuary.