Eldridge L. "Lee" Potts

1937 - 2026

Eldridge 'Lee' L. Potts
Born: July 26, 1937
Died: March 11, 2026
Eldridge "Lee" L. Potts, 88, of Ashkum, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the Veterans' Home at Manteno. He was born on July 26, 1937 in Rantoul, a son of Cecil and Edna (Luttrell) Potts. Lee married Mardean Peters on October 13, 1962 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ashkum. She preceded him in death on June 2, 2015.
Lee is survived by one daughter, Kim (Bruce) Yates; one son, Tim (Tina) Potts; five grandchildren, Taylor Yates (Anthony Chapones), Tiffany (Jeff) Haan, Tara (Ryan) Cailteux, Tony (Megan) Potts, and Trey Potts (Max Somerville); nine great-grandchildren; three siblings, Elvis Potts of Gilman, Doug Potts of Arkansas, and Dollie Woodall of Arkansas; sister-in-law, Garnett Potts of Kentucky; and several nieces and nephews.
Besides his wife, he was preceded in death by both of his parents; brother, Jim Potts; two sisters-in-law, Nancy Potts and Beverly Potts; and brother-in-law, Frank Woodall.
Lee was a proud veteran of the United States Navy, having served during the Korean Conflict. Lee worked many different jobs over the years, including the family sawmill, manager, gas attendant, and mechanic at Beasley's Gas Station in Paxton, Paxton Broom Shop, Ropers, Occidental Chemical, Ford Widholm Lumber, Grays Material, Central Community Unit #4, and Village of Ashkum Police Department. He was a member of the ICLEA. Lee was also a devoted husband and caregiver to Mardean. He enjoyed time spent fishing and hunting. Lee loved working on old cars and sitting under the shade tree or on his porch watching the cars go by. He also was a musician with Avert Luttrell and The Country Strings.
Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026 at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton, and also one hour prior to the funeral service. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, also at the Knapp Funeral Home in Clifton, with Dr. Chauncey Lattimer Jr officiating. Burial will be at the Ashkum Twp. Cemetery with graveside military rites by the Central VFW and Ashkum American Legion.
Memorials may be made to the Ashkum Fire Department, Village of Ashkum Police Department, and Uplifted Care.
Please share a memory of Lee at www.knappfuneralhomes.com.