Barbara Irene "Barb" Porch

Barbara Irene “Barb” Porch, née King, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 15, 2026, in Inverness, Florida. Born on March 2, 1940, in Indianapolis, Indiana, Barbara grew up on a family farm where she developed a deep love for animals. She famously rescued her pet rabbit Brownie from her father’s axe, and she rode her horses bareback nearly every day. When the family moved to Fort Lauderdale in the 1950s, she and her brothers embraced beach life, enjoying the ocean and the vibrant culture of the era.

After high school, Barbara attended the University of Florida, where she met and married Clarence Edward Porch, Jr. She left college to support his military service and gave birth to their son, Clarence “Clay” Edward Porch III, at Fort Benning, Georgia. Two years later, their daughter, Christine “Christi” Renee Porch, arrived. Barbara later returned to her studies and earned an Associate of Science degree in Dental Hygiene. She practiced as a dental hygienist for nearly forty years.

As a single mother, Barbara embraced a spirit of adventure, taking up camping, scuba diving, and motorcycle riding, and even teaching motorcycle safety. She purchased sixteen acres near the Withlacoochee River, which she named Shawnee Trail campground. There she cared for a variety of animals, including rare breeds of chickens and other exotic pets, while operating the campground for two decades. Later in life, she built her dream home on five acres in Floral City, where she once again kept horses. She especially cherished her horse Storm and shared her passion for riding with her children and five grandchildren, leading them on many trail rides.

Barbara’s strong Christian faith sustained her through life’s challenges, including a stroke that left her paralyzed on her left side. She remained positive, kind, and independent to the end. She is survived by her son Clay Porch, daughter Christi Porch, daughter-in-law Michelle Porch, longtime partner Larry Fowler, brothers Donald King and Charles King, grandchildren Edward, Kathryn, Hannah, Caleb, and Seth, great-grandson Ren, and her beloved dogs Reggie and Chip. Her loving presence and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.