Danny L. Porter

Danny L. Porter, 73, of Monmouth, IL, passed away at 1:07 pm, Monday, October 5, 2020 in Monmouth, IL.

Dan was born June 1, 1947 in Galesburg, IL, the son of William and Marjorie (Thompson) Porter.  He was raised and educated in Alexis and later Hot Springs, Arkansas.  He graduated from Fountain Lake High School in Hot Springs, AR in 1965.  Following his graduating, he returned to the Monmouth area.

Dan married Carol Lee Pennington on December 27, 1965. He later married Connie Peterson.  Dan married Sondra K. Payne on March 31, 1976 and she survives.

Dan worked a variety of jobs early in his life.  He was a Frito Lay driver, an orderly at a hospital and he worked for the Illinois Department of Transportation before owning and operating Dan’s Body Shop in Monmouth for over 40 years.  Dan was a passionate animal lover.  He was the driving force and current President of Western Illinois Animal Rescue (WIAR) in Monmouth; a no kill animal rescue. Dan donated the land and countless hours to making WIAR what it is today.  He was instrumental in saving and finding homes for hundreds of domesticated pets around western Illinois. He also rescued several species of wildlife including owls, eagles or any animal in need of assistance.

He was an active member of the Single Action Shooting Society where he was known as “Dapper Dan”.  Dan and his longtime friend Ron Armstrong ran Shady Creek Shootists where they hosted the annual fundraiser, St. Jude Charity Shoot, raising $485,000.00 over 20 years for St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

He was an honorary member of the Monmouth VFW. Dan was a recipient of the first Achiever of the Month award in March 2016 from Warren Achievement.

Survivors include his wife, Sondra Porter of Monmouth, IL; 4 daughters, Cari Shinn of Washington, IL, Josie (Justin Thomas) Roden-Lair, Sarah (Marty) Wilson, and Hannah Porter and all of Monmouth; 13 grandchildren, Brandon Shinn, Olivia Roden, Ivy Roden, Vivian Lair, Max Lair, Abel Wilson, Leah Wilson, Kahen Porter, Halee Porter, Payne Porter, Caleb Porter, Daniel Porter and Blaine Swensen; 1 brother, John Porter of Durham, NC; 2 sisters, Mary Ann Weaver of Peoria, IL and Patty (Mike) Ross of Summerville, SC; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his son, Jesse W. Porter and 2 grandsons, James D. Porter and Fox H. Roden; 1 brother, Robert Porter; and 1 sister, Janet Yoder.

Memorial services will be 10:00 am, Saturday, October 10, 2020 at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL. Cremation has been accorded.  Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm, Friday, October 9, 2020 at the funeral home.  A Private family interment will take place in Alexis Cemetery following the services. Memorials may be given to Western Illinois Animal Rescue.  Due to the COVID-19 restrictions and requirements, all attendees are required to wear a mask and maintain social distancing.