Harold Porterfield

Harold Ray Porterfield, 81, prominent Poplar Bluff and Southeast Missouri architect, died suddenly on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2008, at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

After having served two years in the United States Army during World War II, and attending the University of Arkansas -- Fayetteville School of Architecture, Porterfield began his architectural career moving to Poplar Bluff in early 1950.

In 1963, he started his own architectural firm which later became known as H.R. Porterfield, Architect, specializing in educational and commercial facilities. Of the over 1,000 buildings he has designed throughout Southeast Missouri and Northeast Arkansas, he was especially proud of the Black River Coliseum, the Tinnin Fine Arts Center, Administration Building and the Bess Student Activity Center on the campus of Three Rivers Community College, the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce building and the First Community Bank.

He was the designer of many buildings in area school districts including Farmington, New Madrid, Bonne Terre, Dexter, Campbell, Bismarck, Oran and Poplar Bluff. For over 40 years, Mr. Porterfield offered his clients the very best in design. He never tired of the excitement and challenge of "the next project".

Porterfield was a member of the Poplar Bluff Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of directors from 1993 to 1996.

An avid and dedicated outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed his annual hunting and fishing trips to Canada with his son and grandson.

Porterfield was born on Dec. 28, 1926, to Ellis Eldridge and Lela Porterfield in Piggott. He was preceded in death by his brother, Earl Porterfield, and his sister, Olga Jennings.

He is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Nancy; his daughter, Sherri of Liberty, Mo., and his son Doug and wife Laurie and four grandchildren, Elyse Marie, Ashley Marie, Collin Ray and Heather Marie Porterfield of Glenwood Springs, Colo.

A mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Poplar Bluff, with Father David Coon officiating. Burial was in the Catholic Cemetery.

Cottrell Funeral Service of Poplar Bluff handled the arrangements and condolences may be sent to the family online at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.