Robert "Bob" S. Porch

Robert “Bob” S. Porch, 96, of Elkhart entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 4, 2026, with family by his side. He was born on April 7, 1929, in Chattanooga, TN to the late Samuel C. and Henrietta (Parks) Porch; he married Maxine Colombo Porch, who died in 1993, and later married Elaine (Armstrong) Larnard Porch in 2011.

Elaine survives along with their children, Penny (David) Rodriguez of Indianapolis, Dan (Laurie) Porch of Arden Hills, MN, Julianne (Christopher) Havens of Mishawaka, and Jeffery Larnard; grandchildren Barry Rodriguez, Lucy King, Benjamin Porch, Seth Porch, Mitchell Porch, Anna Adamson, and Lyndi Porch, along with 6 step-grandchildren, and 26 great-grandchildren, and brother, Harry Porch of Roswell, GA also survive. Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Maxine, and brother, Bill Porch.

After graduating from Bob Jones University, Bob proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a corpsman, providing medical care to Marines. He continued his education at Columbia International University, the University of Georgia, and Luther Rice Seminary, where he earned a Doctorate in Family Ministry. Gentle and kind by nature, Bob had a deep heart for missions. He served as both a teacher and principal in schools throughout South America, including the Dominican Republic, Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia, as well as quite a few years in public education in Chatsworth, GA. He was deeply involved in that community, especially in the First Baptist Church. Later he spent several years serving at the home base of South America Mission in Lake Worth, FL, doing whatever job needed to be done. He was deeply proud of his family and cherished time spent with each of them. At home, Bob found joy in raising orchids in his greenhouse, once proudly tending more than 50 different varieties. Bob will be missed by the many lives he touched through his service, his ministry, and his faithful love for others.

Cremation has taken place with a time to honor and celebrate Bob’s life scheduled for 10 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Chapel on the campus of Hubbard Hill Estates, Elkhart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to South America Missions, Center for Hospice, or Hubbard Hill Estates. To light a virtual candle, share a story from Bob’s life, or extend a message of comfort to his family, please visit the Guestbook.

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