DON PORTCH
Donald Harry Portch, age 80, of Plano, Texas, passed away on April 11, 2015. He was born April 24, 1934 in Washington, D.C. to Joseph Harry and Mildred (Edwards) Portch.
After graduating from Washington Lee High School in Arlington, Virginia, Donald attended Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin where he graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of the Sigma Phi Delta Fraternity, a professional engineering fraternity. In 1957, was designated a Naval Aviator upon completion of training at the United States Naval Air Training Command. Among his achievements while flying was earning the Centurion award with over 100 carrier landings on the USS Randolph while a member of the VA-75 Sunday Punchers squadron.
He was employed as a pilot for Braniff Airways from 1964 to 1984 and also flew with Global International Airways, E Systems, and Express One. He later retired from the University of Texas at Dallas. Interests over the years included hunting, fishing, and Ham radio; Donald also built his own color TV and a personal computer in the 70’s.
He is survived by his sons, Matthew Portch and wife Sally of McKinney, Texas and Stephen Portch of Austin, Texas; brother, David Richard Portch of Springfield, Virginia; and a host of other loving family and friends.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents.
Memorial Service
Services will be held Friday, May 22 2015 at 2:00 pm at Dallas Ft. Worth National Cemetery, located at 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211 (Link to Map)
Immediately following Don’s memorial service, a reception at Love and War in Texas, (Grapevine: Link to map) has been arranged. Feel free to attend and socialize if your schedules permit. There will be Hors d'oeuvres to enjoy while we remember a great man.
Contributions can be made to your favorite charity that benefits military veterans.
Photos of Don on Facebook.com (no login or Facebook account needed)