Walter Potter

Walter Clinton 'Walt' Potter was born June 5, 1932, at Red Bluff, California. He was the son of Arnold and Hazel (Bates) Potter.In 1953, he moved from Coos Bay, Oregon to Ottawa, in Franklin County, Kansas, where he made his home until his death Sunday, January 13, 2002, at the age of sixty-nine years. From 1953 to 1979, Walt worked for Kenny Andrews Service Stations, Andrews Mobil and Andrews 66, both of Ottawa. From 1966 to 1971, he was also a mechanic for Hercules Sunflower Ammunition Plant in DeSoto. From 1979 to 1989, he owned and operated Potter & Sons 66 on north Main in Ottawa. He served in the United States Air Force from August of 1947 to October of 1948 with the 1908th AACS Squadron. His duty included Ft. Myer in Washington, D.C., where he was a clerk typist. He also served in the Army National Guard of Oregon from March of 1950 to March of 1953. He attended Cherry Street Wesleyan Church for many years, and served as a Sunday School teacher and church bus driver. He enjoyed the outdoors and liked to go fishing and hunting. He also liked to watch westerns on T.V. Walt was a people person and loved visiting with his many friends, having coffee at the Horseshoe, and spending time with his family. On February 8, 1951, Walter was united in marriage with Betty Guge at Coos Bay, Oregon. She survives of their home. Also, surviving are his daughter, Arlie M. Sawyer of Olathe; three sons, David C. Potter and his wife, Myrt, of Coos Bay, Oregon, Terry L. Potter of Ottawa, Gary W. Potter and his wife, Marsha, of Lyndon; three brothers, Wallace Potter, (Walt's twin) and his wife, Sophia, of Lacey, Washington, Ronnie Potter of Coos Bay, Oregon, Eldon Potter, of Oregon; three sisters, Ivy Wilmont of North Bend, Oregon, Harriet Potter of Visalia, California, Donna Baker and her husband, Larry, of Oregon; seven grandchildren, Angie Olivas, Amy Nutt, Kristin Potter, Kayley Potter, Sara Potter, Josh Potter, Jason Sawyer; and, five great-grandchildren, Allie, Jeffery, and Mercedes Olivas, Austin and Drew Nutt. He is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Ralph, William and Fred Potter; three sisters, Lillie, Murele, and Arlie Mae Potter; and, granddaughter, Amanda Nicole Potter. SERVICES: Funeral services will be held from the Dengel & Son Mortuary 2:00 PM Wednesday, January 16, 2002. OFFICIATING CLERGY: Rev. Scott Dickinson. IN STATE: Mr. Potter will lie in state at the Dengel & Son Mortuary after 5:00 p.m. Monday to the service hour, where the family will meet with friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Tuesday evening. CEMETERY: Highland Cemetery, Ottawa, KS. MEMORIALS: The family suggests memorials to Midland Hospice, c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067.