Wallace David Porter (David) peacefully fell asleep at home in Sparta, Mo., on Dec. 4, 2025, and entered Heaven's eternal rest. God orchestrated a full-circle life as David's birth on March 17, 1934, took place in the humble farmhouse located across the road from his final earthly home in Sparta. He lived a full life of 91-plus years.
Age 90 was a special milestone for him, and he celebrated big -- surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. David graduated from Ozark High School in 1952. Shortly after graduating, he moved to Wichita, Kans., where he worked for the city planting trees. To this day, many of those trees at the Wichita Airport are still standing. He enjoyed driving fast cars and spent some time racing them at the fairgrounds. David joined the Army and was stationed in France, where his daughter, Kathy, was born. Within two years, he moved back home to work as a produce manager and eventually store manager for Consumers Markets. David quickly gained respect as a hard worker and found he really enjoyed the grocery industry. He decided to branch out on his own and bought his first supermarket in the early 1960s. David owned and operated Porter's So-Lo Markets in multiple locations for the next 38 years. He served in a variety of roles for Ozark Empire Grocers Association and the Missouri Grocers Association, earning a seat of respect and influence amongst his peers in the industry. His specialty became meat cutting, and he gained a great rapport with customers by offering quality meats and a well-run store. David had a solid relationship with his customers on the North Side of Springfield, where he often extended credit and cared deeply for those he served. In 2000, David sold his final So-Lo Market and turned his efforts towards a lifelong passion of farming, cutting hay and hauling it.
Never one to be idle, he worked tirelessly cutting hayfields and delivering to many other farmers. He sometimes entertained the idea of fully retiring, but as of this week, still planned to deliver his last loads for 2025. David gained great satisfaction working with his hands and planted oversized gardens and multiple flower beds each year. He was generous with his crops and shared with neighbors and friends. David's family was important to him, and he was a man of tradition. Birthdays were especially important, and he did a great job making the call, buying the special card, and delivering it to whoever was having their big day. His mind was ever-sharp and his wit unrelenting. Those who know him best agree he proved himself to be hardworking, sharp, positive-minded, honest with a handshake, and likable -- easily drawing others to the brighter side of situations.
He also valued friendships. He met many friends for lunch over the years and was looking forward to one of those priceless lunches on the day he passed. Always forward-thinking, David stayed curious and interested in living. Two months ago, he traveled to a favorite spot on the beaches in Gulf Shores, Ala., where he joined in a family wedding and soaked up all the sights and sounds of ocean life. In recent years, he gained multiple cats that he enjoyed caring for both indoors and out.
Every day began the same -- a cup of coffee and a slice of homemade angel food cake. He baked an angel food cake -- Every. Single. Week. Not just any cake mix, but Betty Crocker. He mastered the art of adding the exact right temperature of water and mixing for the perfect number of minutes to produce the most delicious and perfect cake. He had two memorable catch phrases that could be said in any number of tones: "I'll tell you what...." and "I know my body better than the doctors!" Heaven knows we'll miss him.
Closest surviving relatives include: Children Kathy (John) Wagaman, Kelly (Brad) Kauble, John (Becky) Porter, Candy Mesenbrink, Corey Moore, Sonja (Bob) Seidl; Grandchildren Lauren (Caleb) Greenberg, Timothy (Alyssa) Wagaman, Thomas (Louisa) Wagaman, Karyn Porter, Mary Porter, Erika (Payson) Woods, Johnathan Porter, and six great-grandchildren.
David was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue, parents Clell and Mary (Spiess) Porter, and son, Michael Porter.
A funeral service and visitation for David Porter were held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at Adams Funeral Home, Ozark; Dr. Phillip Burden officiated. Burial followed at Selmore Cemetery, Ozark.
