Obituary: Lee Anthony Porterfield

Lee Anthony Porterfield, a resident of Highland Manor of Fallon for the past four years, passed away Saturday, January 30, 2010. He was 89.

Lee was born on a farm outside of Greenfield, Mo. on November 9, 1920, the son of Ellen and John Porterfield. He spent his early childhood years in Missouri. During the depression, his family moved from the farm to Gooding Idaho. In Lee's youth he was a professional baseball player. The highlight of his baseball career was when he pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 1947. Lee also served with distinction in the Third Army, 11th Armored Division during World War II. He was a recipient of the Silver Star and the Bronze Star for bravery shown during The Battle of the Bulge and other engagements. He was wounded during this time and was awarded the Purple Heart. Lee returned to Idaho after being honorably discharged from the army in 1945, where he was reunited with his childhood sweetheart Delores Watts. They were married in Elko, Nev. in 1945. They moved to Nevada in 1952.

Lee and Delores lived in McDermitt, Nev., for 14 years. They owned and operated the State Line Cafe from 1959-1968. They both loved McDermitt and the life-long friends they made there. In 1972 they moved to Carson City. Lee had varied careers during his lifetime. He was a butcher, restaurateur, hard rock miner, chef and bartender. He finished his working years cutting meat at the age of 79. Lee was an avid fisherman. He enjoyed fishing the many lakes and rivers of the west but Lake Tahoe was his favorite fishing hole. He considered it the most beautiful place in the world.

Lee is survived by his three children and their spouses, Linda Potter of Henderson, Nev., John and Cherie Porterfield of Eureka, Nev., and Tamara and Larry Giurlani of Carson City; his sister Eileen Barthelomew of Gooding, Idaho; seven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his wife Delores; his parents Ellen and John; his brothers Maurice, William, Marion, and Loren; and sisters Wanda, Pauline and Vanita.

It has been suggested those wishing to make a memorial contribution in Lee's memory to direct them to the Alzheimer's Association of Northern Nevada.

For information regarding arrangements contact Autumn Funerals & Cremations in Carson City.