Search by Name
Search by Name
John Douglas Potter, 74, of Rensselaer passed away Friday, March 27, 2015, at St. Elizabeth East Hospital in Lafayette, Indiana.
John was born in Evansville, Indiana on July 2, 1940, the son of Virginia (Bath) and John Tobias Potter.
John married Gwen Meyers on August 23, 1964, in Rensselaer and he and Gwen celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year.
Surviving with Gwen are their children, John David (wife Michelle) Potter of Rensselaer and Lynn Elizabeth (husband Frank) Wotell of Orland Park, Illinois and two grandsons, Grant and Wesley Potter. John was preceded in death by his parents, Virginia and John Potter, and three grandchildren, Ruth P., Emmett and Elliot Potter.
He was a 1958 graduate of Huntingburg High School, received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Oakland City College in 1962 and his Masters in Education from Indiana State University in 1964. John was a history teacher for 39 years at Rensselaer Central High School and had served as Chairman of the Social Studies Department.
John had many interests and was active in his community. He was a current member of the Marion Township Advisory Board; former member and past President of the Rensselaer Lions Club; a former member of the Rensselaer Park Board; had served as the first County Chairman of the Jasper County Blood Drive Board; and was a former member and a former Board member of Curtis Creek Country Club. John was a member of the Salem United Church of Christ, Huntingburg, Indiana.
Friends may call at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer on Wednesday, April 1, from 2 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the Jackson Funeral Chapel of Rensselaer on Thursday, April 2, at 11 a.m. with Bill Craig officiating. Burial will follow at Weston Cemetery in Rensselaer.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sorry to read of the loss of Mr. Potter. A blessing to have as a history teacher in high school. THANKS! Mr. Potter
Bill Morton
April 2, 2015
John,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad.
Philena Mead
March 31, 2015
Dear Gwen and Potter Family,
I am thinking of you and remembering John, this gracious man who welcomed us as guests. He was very much a part of our class. And I know Rensselaer was enriched by his life.
Phil Hayes
March 30, 2015
Your dad was one of my favorites at RCHS, John. He challenged me and kept me on my toes, always one move ahead. He obviously loved the chess match of teaching and watching kids grow up. I am so sorry for your loss, but be assured that he is and will be fondly remembered.
Lance Crowe
March 30, 2015
Judge Potter, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You and your entire family will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Teresa Lyles
March 30, 2015
The truth about God James 1:13.
March 29, 2015
He is one of the reasons I still love history and debating!! He was the best at taking on the opposite view he actually held. RIP Mr. Potter and comforting prayers for your family.
Deb (DeMoss) Allen
March 29, 2015
Prayers and blessings for the Potter family. We are thinking of you.
Mike & Kathy ONeall
March 29, 2015
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more