Immediately following graduation, he joined the United States Marine Corps. As a Marine, he was awarded the Purple Heart from his injuries in the brutal Battle of Iwo Jima in 1945. Later in life, he also assisted as Military Draft Board member in Hopkins County. He was the founder and coach of grade school basketball programs in Nebo and enjoyed youth sports throughout his life. Porter also was a long time Sunday school teacher and generous supporter of First Baptist Church in Madisonville.

Porter led the Ag community in many capacities such as board member of the Soil Conversation District. There he led the innovation into no-till farming that now is a standard practice in agriculture.  He also held office as President of Farm Bureau and for his farming acumen, he has been recognized by his Alma Mater, the University of Kentucky as well as Madisonville Chamber of Commerce and other Ag entities for his outstanding accomplishments as a farmer. As a community leader, Porter help spearhead the group who established the Nebo Water District. This foresight resulted in affordable municipal drinking water for all of the Nebo community and the surrounding areas. Most of all, he is remembered as a devoted husband, admired dad, and proud (great) grandfather. Porter leaves a legacy of service to others.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary D. Oates, Emmabelle Leasure and Lora Lillian Lowrance; and his grandson, Seth Thomas Porter.

Survivors include his wife of sixty-six years, Kathleen Porter; sons, Claud Porter and wife, Karen of Owensboro, KY, Tom Porter, Jr. of Madisonville, Rob Porter of Bowling Green, KY, John Porter and wife, Christi of Madisonville and Dr. David Allen Porter and wife, Terri of Indianapolis, IN; sixteen grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 16, 2018 in the chapel of Harris Funeral Home in Madisonville with Bro. Jim McMurtrie officiating. Military honors will be conducted at the funeral by the United States Marine Corps and the Hopkins County Honor Guard. Burial will be held at Nebo Cemetery in Nebo, KY at a later date.

The visitation will be from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Friday and from Noon until the funeral hour Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made in Thomas' memory to the Christian Food Bank of Hopkins County or the Salvation Army.