Henry A. "Hank" Potter

Memorial Day, May 27, 2002, was a fitting day for Col. Henry A. 'Hank' Potter (USAF, Ret.) to be called to his final and greatest journey. Born in Pierre, SD on September 22, 1918, to Archie and Emily Wilson Potter. Hank was the youngest of seven children. He attended Yankton College and the University of Oregon prior to entering the service at the outbreak of WWII. After completing his navigator training, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 1941. He had the honor of serving as General Jimmy Doolittle's navigator for the raid over Tokyo on April 18, 1942. Four months after Pearl Harbor, the Doolittle Raiders made history with the first air raid on Japan. Lt. Potter had the enormous responsibility of being the navigator of B25 No.1, the plane piloted by Jimmy Doolittle himself. Although celebrated for his part in the Doolittle Tokyo Raid, he only felt honored and blessed to have been chosen to participate. He continued with the Air Force in various positions and places until his retirement from Bergstrom AFB, in Austin, TX in 1970. He held the rating of Master Navigator and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters as well as many other medals. In his later years, he was proud to work with the Commemorative Air Force which gave a new purpose and meaning to his life. He was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Adell Theresa Potter and his son-in-law, David Sharp. He was also preceded in death by siblings, Archie Potter, Anne Hickey, John Potter and Ruth Fritz. He is survived by his son Steven who Hank was proud to have carry on his name. He is survived by his daughters, Teresa Potter White and husband Chris of Atlanta, GA; Karen Pardue and husband John residing in Angola, Africa; Cheryl Sharp of San Antonio, TX; Cynthia Gilchrist and husband Loren, of Austin, TX; and Monica Potter Love and husband Noel of Austin, TX. His children were his pride and joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Lois Ackerman and husband Ray and Doris McMurtry and husband Buntz, of Eugene, OR. He is survived by grandchildren Jonathan and Matthew Love, David and Dana Sharp, Sarah Potter, Tamara Blaha, Dawnelle Pardue, Christopher, David and Melissa White; as well as one great-grandchild, Madison Grace White. Last but certainly not least in his heart, he is survived by his companion and friend who shared the adventures, trials, and tribulations of the last eight years, Ruth Hudson. Hank Potter and his family would like to thank the Doolittle Tokyo Raiders, all of his good buddies of the CAF, as well as all of his other friends for the cards, visits, friendship and love that you shared with him over these many years. Friends like you made it all worthwhile. Thank you. He will be seeing you again in the 'wild blue yonder'. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 30, 2002 from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at Weed-Corley-Fish. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M., Friday, May 31, 2002, at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel in Austin, followed immediately by Interment at Capital Memorial Park, Pflugerville, TX with Full Military Honors. Serving as pallbearers will be Jim Lux, Jim Liles, Jim Oliver, Ollie Crawford, Dick Cole and Tom Jacobs. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Centex Wing of the Commemorative Air Force, 1841 Airport Dr., Bldg. 2244, San Marcos, TX 78666, the American Combat Airman Hall of Fame, Box 62000, Midland, TX 78711, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by WEED-CORLEY-FISH FUNERAL HOME Austin, TX 78705 (512) 452-8811.