Sep 8, 2018

Dr. Wayne L. Porter, D.D.S., returned to his heavenly home Thursday, September 6, 2018, after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and friends and his firm belief in God supported his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Wayne was born one of eight children to Norman and Nettie Bea Porter, an accountant and a homemaker in Cheyenne, Wyo.

Wayne started his athletic career at Magnolia High School in New Martinsville, W.Va. He was a 13-letter performer as a freshman and sophomore at Magnolia, before his family moved to Mt. Lebanon. Wayne enrolled at West Virginia University on a basketball grant, playing his freshman and sophomore years. He turned to football and baseball, and to finish his last two, he played football. Wayne earned five varsity Mountaineer letters, not including freshman team play – three in football and one in both basketball and baseball. Wayne was in pre-medicine before switching to dentistry. He graduated from West Virginia University School of Dentistry with a doctorate of dental surgery.

Wayne always spoke fondly of his Magnolia and West Virginia University days. One of his favorite memories was the West Virginia University Mountaineers playing against Syracuse because he scored five touchdowns in three games against them. Wayne followed the Mountaineers in all sports as much as possible. Wayne was one of the few athletes ever to accomplish football-baseball-basketball letterman at West Virginia University since 1949.

After graduating from West Virginia University School of Dentistry, he developed a flourishing dental practice for over 30 years in Finleyville.

Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Catherine Habig, formerly of Shadyside, Ohio; his children, Karie Lynn (Matt) Coe, Jennifer Porter Yakos and Steve (Melissa) Porter; and stepsons Mateo (Kelly) Herrera and Capt. Estevan (Melissa) Herrera, USAF.

Papa Wayne will be forever remembered by his 11 grandchildren, Haley, Brandon, Isabella, Kelsey, Anna, Ava, Steven, Giada, Lorenzo, Selena and Sylas. He will be fondly remembered by his brothers and sisters, Phyllis (Ken) Martin, Norma (Carole) Beary, Paul (Jacque) Porter, Donald (Suzanne) Porter, Pamela (John) Douglass and Brian Porter. Wayne will also be remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Deceased is a sister, Cathy (Jim) Hunt.

Stacie Balf, Margie Suttie and Debbie Ritts provided great care, dedication and compassion to Wayne over the many years. He put up a long fight, and knowing he was in committed and compassionate hands helping him live with dignity, grace and love. His loved ones consider these ladies an invaluable gift from heaven.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in Kegel Funeral Home Inc., Tim P. Kegel, supervisor, David P. Kegel, director, 3560 Washington Avenue, Finleyville. A service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 12, in Journey by Grace Free Methodist Church, 4803 PA 51, Belle Vernon, PA 15012. Everyone should meet at the church.

The family gratefully declines flowers, but prayers, condolences and memories are accepted, and memorial donations may be made in honor of Wayne to Western Pennsylvania Parkinson Foundation, 575 Lincoln Avenue, Bellevue, PA 15202, 412-837-2542, and/or to the wonderful, exceptional staff nurses, front staff call center, pastoral, doctor, Jeffrey’s Drug Store and drivers who gave such wonderful, remarkable, phenomenal care to Wayne in his time of need. “God bless you all.” Concordia Hospice of Washington, 10 Leet Street, Washington, PA 15301, 724-250-4500.

“The righteous perish, and no one takes it to heart; the devout are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. Those who walk uprightly enter into peace; they find rest as they lie in death.” – Isaiah 57:1-2