Owned and operated Porter Testing Laboratories and served for many years as Head Chemist. He served in WW II as a Petty Officer 2nd Class, Aviation Machinists Mate aboard the USS Kasaan Bay (CVE69). He held the US Navy and the men he served with in the highest regards. He served proudly and honorably. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Moore. He loved fishing, gardening and traveling.

Deropha is survived by his wife, Era Dean Porter; daughter, Mary Jones & husband Harland of Moore; son-in-law Gary Smith, Sr.; grandchildren, Michael Myers & wife Inge, Karyn Walker & husband Curtis, Greg Myers, Gary Smith, Jr. & wife Courtney, Mandy Myers & Jessica Jones and seven great grandchildren, Mason, Madison, Rylie, Kaylie, Skyler, Kelton, Garrick & baby on the way. Also a dear friend, Mary F. Hughes, who has assisted the family at this difficult time and numerous loving nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him very much.

Deropha was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a daughter, Mancy Smith and son-in-law, Monty Myers.

Funeral Services are 2:00 PM, Wednesday, April 13, 2005-06 at First United Methodist Church of Moore with interment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens. Services are under the direction of the John M. Ireland Funeral Home & Chapel, Moore, OK.