Richard James "Dick" Potter

Richard J. “Dick” Potter, 81, of Ottawa, Kansas, passed away Saturday, September 17, 2016, at Ransom Memorial Hospital. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M., Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Dengel & Son Mortuary. Family will meet with friends from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Wednesday, September 21, 2016, at the mortuary. Interment Highland Cemetery. Richard was born Thursday, October 18, 1934, in Brainerd, Minnesota, the son of William and Pearl Marie (Jackson) Potter. He lived in Ottawa since 1972, moving here from Junction City. Richard was united in marriage to Phyllis Craig June 25, 1955 in Brainerd, Minnesota. She survives of their home. Other survivors include his two children, Dawn Vincent of Ottawa and Randy Potter of Portland, Oregon; three sisters, Marlis Hinch of Pillager, Minnesota, Jennie Olsen of St. Cloud, Minnesota, and Eleanor Davies of Washington; four grandchildren, Josh Hundley and wife Tobi of Houma, Louisiana, Nicholas Guy of Ottawa, Ashley Potter of Portland, Oregon, and Kathy Potter of Washington D.C.; and two great grandchildren, Madison Hundley and Cooper Hundley both of Houma, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pearl Potter; and several brothers and sisters. Richard served his country in the United States Army from 1952, retiring in January 1972. He was stationed for two tours in Korea and Germany returning to the United States from 1962 to 1965. He was then stationed in Ethiopia as an advisor. After that Richard was stationed in Tacoma, Washington, as an advisor to the Army Reserves from 1966 to 1968. He then deployed to Vietnam where he served six months before sustaining a back injury, being air-lifted to Japan for surgery. To complete his overseas tour he was stationed in Korea. Richard completed his Army career in Fort Riley, Kansas, retiring after 20 years of service at the age of 36. He then pursued careers in finance, real estate, and with the Franklin County Appraiser’s Office from 1980 to his retirement in 1995. Richard deeply loved his family and spending time with the grandchildren. He enjoyed golfing, long walks, yard work, and watching John Wayne western movies. The family suggests memorial contributions to Franklin County Cancer Foundation c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Richard’s Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com