Porter Bookout

Porter Wayne 'Bo' Bookout, 57, of Des Moines, IA passed away Friday February 7, 2025 at MercyOne Hospital in Des Moines, IA.

Among those with him in his final moments was his loving partner in life Mary Briggs of Des Moines, devoted brother Ron Bookout of Newton, IA and cousin Shannon Leahy Blackwell of Des Moines.

A graduate of Newton Senior High in Newton, IA class of 1986, Bo lived a very colorful life. From a young age, he had a natural talent of drawing and tattoo artistry. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers had coincidentally a love of cheese. He had the heart of a warrior and passion for all things Viking related (not the football team). He enjoyed attending the Iowa State Fair, rain or shine nearly every year, with the exception of 2020, due to Covid restrictions. He always looked forward to going to the mountain man tent, getting an egg on a stick and Grandpa's Barn. Bo maintained an impressive work ethic with Andersen Storm Door for 17 years. He was in the Union and was known for standing up for the workers and helped people remain in their job position.

He first met Mary as a child where they attended kindergarten together.  Many years later they found each other again on Facebook where they became friends and eventually fiancés.

He and Mary began an intense interest in collecting Funkos in 2021 when Mary got him a mystery box with a pop, Tyler Durden. Bo became hooked and continued to learn about them. They joined an online community with other Funko collectors and started making videos on their YouTube channel Mary Poppins Pops and The Stray Dog Bo, which soon became a hit for all of their friends and followers.

He was preceded in death by his mother Kathleen Hedges Chapman, January 3, 2018.

Porter will be greatly missed by many. In addition to Mary, he leaves behind two siblings; sister Angela Chansky of Millis, Massachusetts and brother Ron Bookout of Newton, Iowa and father Steven Bookout of Cedar Falls, Iowa.

A son and daughter; Nick Bookout of Newton, Iowa and Teresa Thompson of Victor, Iowa, as well as several grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date. Family and friends will be notified and asked to share the information.