Charles C. “Chuck” Porter peacefully passed on to his heavenly home on Monday, April 22, 2024. He was surrounded by his wife and children at home in Buhler, Kansas. He was born April 29, 1943 in Wichita, Kansas to John Clarence and Carol Alene (Miller) Porter. Chuck grew up on his family farm outside of Viola and attended Viola schools from K-12th grade. He graduated from Viola High School in 1961. Chuck received his bachelor’s degree from Wichita State University in 1967.
Chuck was a lifelong teacher, coach, and mentor and was lovingly referred to by others as “Coach”. He taught History, Government, and Physical Education. Students at Buhler High will remember spirited badminton matches against the coaches, one of Chuck’s favorite activities in P.E. classes. With his background in History and Government, he was a fierce competitor in countless Trivia games with family and friends.
Coach was an avid golfer and played anytime, anywhere, and every chance he got. He attended Medora Community Bible Church and his faith in his Savior and Lord Jesus Christ was the most important commitment in his life.
Through his career he coached football, wrestling, and golf. Chuck’s premiere passion in sports was football. He started his coaching career at St. Patrick’s Junior High School while in his senior year at WSU. His next stop was Kapaun High School (later Kapaun-Mt. Carmel High School) where he coached under his beloved friend, Ed Kriwiel. Coach used the same quiet yet determined approach he learned from Ed to successfully coach and mentor many young men over his 34 year coaching career.
Chuck’s first head football coaching job was at Bishop Carroll where he taught and coached for 4 years, also winnings a State Championship along with 4 district titles. His next stop was East High School for 3 years where the football team brought home 2 State Championships. After East High, Coach spent 2 years as an assistant at WSU, until the Football program was discontinued. His last teaching/coaching position was at Buhler High School, where he taught and coached football for the remainder of his career.
Chuck was honored with many awards over his career, some of them being; 11 coach of the year awards, 5 times Kansas Coach of the Year, 2 high school Hall of Fame at East and Buhler, Hall of Fame in the Kansas State High School Activities Association, and coaching Shrine Bowl teams.
Chuck was united in marriage to Schari E. Andrews on April 20, 1974 in Wichita. Chuck and Schari just shared their 50th wedding anniversary on Saturday.
He is also survived by his children, Cris Porter of Wichita, Charlie Porter of Lawrence, and Blasi Porter of Buhler. Chuck was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kelly Schuessler; and his brother, Walter Porter.
A visitation will be held Friday, April 26, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Medora Community Bible Church in Medora. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, April 27, at the church. Services will be livestreamed at www.youtube.com/@MCBCHutch. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m., at Peotone Cemetery, rural Viola, Kansas. Chuck requested no flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Medora Community Bible Church in care of Buhler Mortuary, PO Box 589, Buhler, KS 67522.