Robert William Porter was born in
Monmouth, Illinois. He served in the
United States Navy during
World War II from 1944 to 1946. Following his military service, he pursued higher education, earning an
Artium Baccalaureus degree from
Monmouth College in 1949 and a
Juris Doctor from the
University of Michigan Law School in 1952. Upon completing his legal education, he began his professional career as home office counsel for the Reserve Life Insurance Company in
Dallas,
Texas, a position he held from 1952 to 1954. Subsequently, he entered private legal practice in Dallas, where he remained active from 1954 to 1974. In addition to his legal career, he was engaged in public service. He served as a
Councilman for the city of
Richardson, from 1961 to 1966, and as Mayor from 1966 to 1967. During his tenure as
Mayor, he also held the position of Mayor Pro Tem in 1966. From 1972 to 1974, he served as special counsel for
County of Dallas. ==Federal judicial service==