Thomas A. Potts

1937 - 2025

Mr. Thomas Albert Potts, age 87, passed away on January 24, 2025 in Norton Shores, Michigan. He was born in Muskegon on December 4, 1937 to John and Anna (Vandak) Potts. Tom was a life-long Muskegon resident and graduate of Muskegon High School. He excelled in track and field and held the Big Red's one mile record for more than a decade. Tom was a proud veteran of the United States Army and upon honorable discharge worked for General Telephone Electric for over 40 years. The light of Tom's life was his beloved bride, Darlene (Corradin), to whom he was married for 62 years. The two shared a beautiful marriage that exemplified true commitment, partnership, and joy. An incredibly proud husband and father, he frequently shared stories of his family's accomplishments and praises of his wife's beauty and kindness. Tom was an avid bowler. In recognition of his talent, he was inducted into the Muskegon Area Bowling Hall of Fame in 2019. He also had a passion for golf and a keen eye for finding errant golf balls. Fishing was one of Tom's favorite things to do throughout his life and he especially enjoyed the annual fishing trips to Canada with his buddies. Tom had a warm, affable personality, a knack for snacking, and a contagious laugh that made him so easy to love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Darlene; children, Thomas (Patricia) Potts, Daniel (Paula) Potts, Ann (Robert) Gatt, and Michael Potts; eight grandchildren, Linzie Potts, Dylan Hendrie, Joseph Potts, Kennedy Potts, Logan Potts, Keenon Straley, Paige Judson, and Tobias Judson; brother, John "Hess" (June) Potts Jr.; mother-in-law, Rita Corradin; and brothers-in-law, Rocky (Debbie) Corradin and Ronald (Joy) Corradin. He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Martin Potts; grandchildren Easton Judson and Alexis Kottman; sister-in-law, Carol Hammond; sister, Caroline Robinson. A CELEBRATION OF HIS LIFE will be held at 12:00 PM, Saturday, February 15, 2025 at the Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI 49444. VISITATION will be at 11 AM. Burial will be in Fort Custer National Cemetery. You may sign his guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com