Mark Allen Porter, 60, of Hollywood, MD, passed away in the line of duty on July 1, 2025.
Born on March 12, 1965, in Frostburg, MD, to the late Theodore “Buck” Porter and Anna Betty (Rankin) Porter, he was the youngest of three, and was preceded in death by his sister, Rhonda Lee Porter. Mark was educated at Allegany Community College as well as Frostburg State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree.
Mark married the late Carol (Ballew) Porter in 1996 and is survived by his stepchildren, Daniel and Darren Ballew, both of St. Mary’s County, MD. Mark and Carol were devoted to each other for 29 years, sharing their love of law enforcement and chasing sunsets.
Mark was dedicated to protecting his community as well as his family. In his spare time, he enjoyed collecting Batman memorabilia, Invicta watches and police ornaments for one of his many Christmas trees. He had a love for WWE wrestling which provided him opportunities to transport many wrestlers to and from their events, which he greatly enjoyed. Unbeknownst to most, he was a fantastic artist, specializing in his favorite superheroes, musicians, and sports players – the Joker, Prince, and Dale Earnhardt, to name a few. Mark had recently discussed his plans for possible retirement (again) so he could venture to the many states he desired to visit.
Mark was quick-witted and was a proficient storyteller. If you had a listening ear, he would be sure to tell you as many stories as he could, sometimes in more ways than one. Most stories stemmed from his police career that began in St. Mary’s County in 1987. He trained, mentored, and worked alongside hundreds of dedicated officers throughout his career. He was extremely proud of his blue family that he served until his death. Mark will receive the accolade of being placed on the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C.
Mark is survived by his sister, Donna “Dee” (Porter) Allison (Dave), of Lusby MD and his nieces Ronda Paul (Chris) of Lusby, MD and Dawn Robertson (Jacob) of Hollywood, MD. Mark had a special love for his great nieces and nephews, Khloe, Dean, Kamryn, Dale and Jacob II, as well as his grandson, Owen. For the past year of his life, Mark’s friend, Heather, brought him happiness.
Mark will be missed tremendously by his family, friends, and his brothers and sisters in blue. His impact on St. Mary’s County will be everlasting.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with prayers recited at 7:00 PM, in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, Leonardtown, MD, where a funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Gwen Banks and Pastor Larry Crabtree officiating. Interment will follow at Charles Memorial Gardens, Leonardtown, MD.
End of watch, #44, you have been an amazing legacy to all.
Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.
Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.