Paul Potter

Paul Potter went to join the loved ones that preceded him in the early morning hours of August 3rd. He is no doubt at peace and glad to be shed of the physical limitations that slowed him in the final years of his life. Paul was born in Jefferson, Iowa on March 7, 1927. The youngest of seven children, he grew up through some of the more turbulent times in recent American history, which he always said prepared him for the years ahead. In 1945 prior to his senior year of high school he was called to serve his country, and proudly went to Germany as part of the Army Allied Occupational Force. After being honorably discharged, Paul returned to Jefferson and completed his schooling. Not certain what career path to take, he worked with his dad in housing construction, worked in various manufacturing companies in Iowa as a machinist, and was headed to Phoenix to learn the plumbing trade when he stopped in Kansas City and found jobs to be plentiful. The proximity to his parents in Iowa convinced him to stay in KC, and he soon gained employment with General Motors Aircraft. Always one to enjoy water sports and being a clown, he spent a few weekends at the pool in Fairland Park, where his antics caught the eye of his future wife Jane. They married in 1954, bought a house in Ruskin Heights where they lived together for 50 years, and soon began their family with the addition of Pam. Gil came along four years later. Paul settled into a career at Bendix Corporation as a Quality Control Inspector and remained there until his retirement at age 62. He and Jane were active in their church where Paul sang bass in the choir, and were also active in the community and the school district as they raised their family. Paul was well known for his broad smile and friendly manner, never knowing a stranger. Any kid in the neighborhood could join in on frequent activities as Paul entertained his own children, whether kite flying in the local park or playing board games under the shade trees. He was a staunch supporter of his children’s endeavors, whether they were sports or music or church related. Though his grandchildren lived far away, when Paul had the opportunity to visit he showed that same dedication to them. In his retirement years Paul worked as a bus driver for the local school bus company, where his happy nature was well received by the charter customers he chauffeured. He certainly made a difference in many people’s lives. Paul leaves behind his loving wife of 53 years, Jane; daughter Pam Smith and son-in-law Art of Blaine, Minn.; son Gil Potter and daughter-in-law Patty of Benbrook, Texas; grandsons Brandon and Joshua Smith, and Kevin Potter; and granddaughters Amanda and Emily Potter, Shanna Paddock, and Samantha Smith. Memorial Service - A celebration of Paul’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, at the New Apostolic Church, 8243 Spring Valley Road, Raytown, MO 64138.