Services for Elroy “Tutum” Porter were held Saturday, Dec. 5 at Mount Bethel Baptist Church in Cuero, Texas. Mr. Porter died Dec. 3, 2015 at the age of 95.
Born on Oct. 21, 1921 in DeWitt County, he was the son of Walter and Erma Porter.
He spent his early developmental years in Cuero. At an early age, Elroy gave his life to Christ uniting with the Brother Chapel Church in Cuero. Worshipping and performing the works of the Lord until he united with Mount Bethel Baptist Church in 1998.
Elroy was a product of the Cuero Public School System attending elementary, middle school and graduating from Daule High School. After completing his primary education, Elroy was drafted into the service of this nation during World War II. Elroy served his country gallantly as a Infantry Machine Gunner assigned to the all black 92nd Infantry Division. He was a decorated soldier who earned two Bronze Stars, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, American Campaign Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge and the Honorable Service Lapel Button.
After being honorable discharged from the US Army, Elroy became employed as a cattle truck driver. He became an independent business owner when he became owner and operator of his own truck. He married the former Eliza (Snooks) Brown. There were no children to this union.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, two brothers and one granddaughter. He is survived by his son, Rev. Dwayne Belvin, Sr., two grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; cousin Paris Ann Dixon of Blooming, Texas; caregiver and special friend Veronica Quarles and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Rev. Lawrence Roy officiated the funeral with Rev. Dewayne A.Belvin, Sr. providing the eulogy.
Mr. Porter was buried at Woodman Cemetery in Cuero with Sutton, Sutton and Woodards Mortuary of San Antonio in charge of arrangements.
