Col. William L. Porte, 82, of Idyllwild, died Tuesday, May 22, 2001, while on vacation in Chalon-sur-Saone, France. The cause of death was emphysema, and heart and kidney failure.

Col. Porte was born July 19, 1918, in Washington, D.C.

He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., in 1940.

Col. Porte had served in the military and also worked in the financial industry.

He belonged to the Idyllwild Rotary Club, the Associates of Idyllwild Arts Foundation and the 39ers Club. He was a member of the Idyllwild Community Presbyterian Church.

Services are planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, June 17, at the Palm Desert Community Presbyterian Church, 47321 Highway 74, Palm Desert. Pastor Doug Garrard will officiate.

Inurnment is at noon Saturday, June 16, at Riverside National Cemetery.

Col. Porte is survived by his wife, Katherine Porte; a son, Dr. Bill Porte of Placerville; two daughters, Kay Rodgers of Chatsworth and Betty Shapiro of Piedmont, Calif.; two sisters, Roberta Casey and Esther Wood, both of Annapolis, Md.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

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