Otis Porterfield

Otis “Corky” Porterfield, 84 of Independence, MO passed away at home on Sunday, March 10, 2013. Cremation is planned with a memorial gathering from 6 to 8:00 p.m., Thursday evening at the Speaks Suburban Chapel 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, MO 64055. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Crossroads Hospice. Corky was born July 25, 1928 in Kansas City, MO the second of nine children to Otis and Violet (Eden) Porterfield, Sr. He graduated from Northeast High School in 1946 and immediately joined the US Navy and proudly served until 1948. In 1950 he began working for KCP&L and continued working until his retirement in 1993. In 1952, on his 24th birthday he married Lanita Sherman, the best birthday present he ever had. Throughout his life, Corky loved Kansas City baseball, and since 1969, the Royals were his favorite team. He faithfully listened on the radio, watched on TV or attended the games in person. At the stadium he never stayed for a full game; whether his team was winning or losing he’d be busting out of his seat early to “beat the rush” out of the parking lot. He also enjoyed time with his family, and from the 1950’s through the 80’s, he and Lanita played cards with Corky’s brothers and sisters nearly every Friday night. Corky and Lanita loved annual family vacations to the west coast that often included meeting Corky’s brothers and sisters and their families for a day at Disneyland. After the children were grown, they had the luxury of spending more time in Las Vegas. Corky was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and a sister and his infant son Timmy. He is survived by; his loving wife of over 60 years, Lanita; his daughters, Janet Day, Shelly Porterfield and Lisa Porterfield; his grandsons, Ben Brannian and Tom Brannian; 4 brothers and 2 sisters and his cat Pete.