Richard W. Potter

January 25, 1943 - July 7, 2013


U.S. Veteran  

Richard W. Potter, age 70, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Sunday, July 7, 2013, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born January 25, 1943 in Oak Park, IL.

Rich grew up riding trains with his father on the weekends instilling a love of the railway. He passed on his love of trains to his children and grandchildren. Rich was a lifelong member of the Earth Science Club of Northern Illinois starting as a young boy. His interest in electronics started when he would venture to the junkyard and repair old televisions, an interest that grew and developed into a career in electronics. After graduating from Riverside Brookfield High School, Rich entered the U.S. Navy serving as an Electronics Technician Second Class Petty Officer. Rich worked for Motorola, McGraw Edison Corporation, ending his career after 33 years with Metropolitan Industries. Rich held several patents in electronics and water controls. Rich enjoyed science and loved to take his children and grandchildren to the Museum of Science and Industry. Rich was Free Mason, a member of the Scottish Rite, Medinah Shrine and Loyal Order of Moose.

He is survived by his wife, Carol, nee Boyd, of Wheaton; his children, Richelle Knowles of DeKalb, IL, Keith (Debra) Potter of Glen Ellyn, IL, Jennifer (Michael) Herndon of Marietta, GA, Debra (Fraser Smith) Orr of Glen Ellyn, IL, Robert (Amy) Orr of Wheaton, IL, and Karen (Daniel) Wright of Acworth, GA; his brother, Roger (Dina) Potter of Suwannee, GA; several nephews; and ten wonderful grandchildren.

A visitation will be held on Friday, July 12, 2013 from 4-8 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton, corner of Jefferson and Ellis Streets, in Wheaton, IL. Interment will be private.

Memorial gifts may be directed to the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Office of Development, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.


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