Lawrence John Porta

Lawrence John Porta, 91, of Elwood, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2026, at St. Vincent Hospital in Indianapolis.

He was born November 4, 1934, in Washington, D.C., the son of Lawrence Peter and Catherine (Dodson) Porta.

Lawrence is survived by his daughter, Michele Porta of Waldron; son, John Kevin Porta (Robin) of Nicholasville, Kentucky; step-daughter, Patricia Miles (Mark) and Pansey Walden (Brian); grandchildren, Terrina Redd (Jamie), Tiana Powell (Danny), Nikita Shepherd (Tim), and Kevin Porta; step-granddaughter, Ashley (Michael); seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sisters, Thelma Stroz and Roberta Zingsheim.

Lawrence was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving from 1950 to 1951.

He retired from welding in 1984.

Lawrence was a member of the Elwood Conservation Club, where he loved to go shoot.

He enjoyed bowling, watching the Green Bay Packers play football, and Harley Davidson motorcycles. Lawrence also enjoyed cruising in his wheelchair and taking in stray cats to feed and kept warm.

Private graveside services have been entrusted to Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion, 220 Main St., Elwood, Indiana 46036 or the Shelbyville-Shelby County Animal Shelter, 705 Hale Road, Shelbyville, Indiana 46176.

Online condolences may be shared with Lawrence’s family at www.freemanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.