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Dennis Poteete Obituary
June 22, 1932 – September 24, 2024
Bakersfield – Dennis Lance Poteete was born in Taft, California on June 22nd, 1932 to Tascol Clayborn Poteete and his lovely wife Glamer Belle. Dad enjoyed growing up in Taft participating in track and basketball at the world-famous Taft Union High School. Upon graduation in 1950, Dad entered the Air Force as the Korean War broke out. He spent his time in a top-secret compound in Washington D.C. working as a Russian interpreter gathering intelligence.
After his four-year military service was completed, he attended UC Berkeley graduating in 3 years. Dad started his professional career as an investigator for the American Service Bureau later transitioning to the newly formed Mutual of Omaha investigative branch. He spent the rest of his professional life as the general sales manager for Hopper Steel until it was purchased by Liquid Air, where he also worked until he retired.
Dad loved his sister Betty Ayres as well as his brother Phil Poteete. All three of our families camped together for years in Yosemite, Tuolumne as well as Grant Grove. To all of us children, it was the highlight of our year. We were accompanied by Dad's parents, Tascol and Glamer.
Dad had many interests including motorcycle riding, reading (10,000 or more books!), and going to track meets and wrestling matches. He loved wrestling! He attended 43 state meets and countless matches. What Dad excelled at most though, was being a great Dad, giving great advice, and being a great friend to all. He will be carried in the hearts of many for years to come.
Dennis is survived by his wife Shirley, son Jim Poteete and wife Karen, son-in-law Ron McLoy, brother Phil Poteete and wife Jeanette, as well as six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and a bevy of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Nancy, beloved daughter Renee McLoy and sister Betty Ayres.
Memorial Service will be held at 10:30am on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the Summit at Canyon Hills Church, 7100 Auburn Street. Reception to follow.
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Memories and Condolences
for Dennis Poteete
Sponsored by Basham Funeral Care - Bakersfield.
5 Entries
Jennifer Price Gross
April 13, 2025
Dennis Poteete (and Shirley) are life-long friends of my parents, Stirling Price and Jan Johnson Price. Stirling and Dennis were the best of friends in high school and never let the friendship go. Well in to retirement, their annual high-school "Mini-reunion" was a weekend party with trips all over California.
I was lucky enough to meet Dennis & Shirley several times . Dennis was kind and funny and made my dad and me, light up ! I´ll always remember our dinner at the Woolgrowers restaurant in Bakersfield. Dennis shared his "Chasen´s famous chili" recipe with me, which I will make in honor of him right away.
To Dennis and all the Taft High alumni- we love you!
Heather Martinez
October 7, 2024
Grandpa (Dennis Poteete) was steady and good and kind. For all the ways he took care of his family and loved us, we will miss him forever.
Brooke Graham
October 7, 2024
Uncle Denny will be missed. My memories of him are a hardy laugh and a funny story. He was my dad's right hand man and we will all miss him terribly.
Sending my love and condolences to Jim, Karen and the kids.
Jack Hardy
October 5, 2024
I met Dennis when I went to work at Hopper Inc in 1978. Dennis became my boss 4 months after I joined the company and he was a great man to work for. Dennis became much more than a boss, he became a mentor and a valued friend. We not only worked together but spent countless hours riding motorcycles, camping and traveling together. RIP old friend, until we meet again.
Mark Passaglia
October 5, 2024
Very sorry for your loss Jim. God Bless to your Dad, and all of his survivors. It was a great experience knowing you in high school and I'm sure your Dad was very proud of his children. God Bless, and prayers to everyone!
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