Carl E. Potter
August 8, 1926 ~ May 14, 2016
Carl E. "Gene" Potter, a life-long resident of Madison, Ohio, died surrounded by family and friends on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the age of 89. Mr. Potter was born on August 8, 1926 in Pryor, Oklahoma. He was the older of two children, born and raised during the Dust Bowl. An Army paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne, he served in Japan during WW II before his honorable discharge in 1949. He married Virginia Kunkel in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They settled in Madison in 1960, and were happily married for 56 years until her death in 2010. He worked at Republic Steel in Cleveland for nearly three decades before retiring. A warm and helpful neighbor, he also enjoyed fishing in Ontario with friends and spent many summers on his pontoon boat on Lake Erie. Mr. Potter was preceded in death by his parents, Carl A. and Minerva Neal, his brother, Paul, his wife, Virginia, and infant daughter, Jill. He is survived by his two sons, Glen, Shaker Heights, Ohio, and John, Martinsburg, West Virginia and their wives, Michelle and Tammy. He was the proud grandfather of Julianne, Gavin, Jordan, and Cady. A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 23, 2016 at 3PM at North Madison Cemetery, Hubbard Rd. (across from ICC). Family will receive friends from 2PM until the time of service at 3PM.
His family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, at www.hospicewr.org Funeral arrangements are being handled by The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio 44057. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com
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Glen and John I'm so sad to learn of the passing of Gene. He was a real GEM – the sweetest, kindest, gentle soul I've known. My deepest sympathy to both of you and your families. I will always have great Gene memories and he will forever hold a place in my heart.
Glen and John, I am truly saddened to hear of your dad's passing. I can only hope that it was peaceful for you and your families. Your dad and mom were great neighbors to my grandparents and I have many memories of the many fun things that our families did together as the “Madison gang”. 4th of July fireworks, pontoon boat outings, picnics, sharing your kitten – Cuddles, just to name a very few. Keep a smile in your heart as you think of those good times. I have a tear in my eye as I write this.
Glen and John, I pray you are both feeling peace at this sad time. Your dad was the sweetest man. I remember him as a loving presence to your childhood friends. Both of your parents made all of us “kids” know we had a place were we'd always be welcomed. I can imagine heaven with him in it, but I'm sure you both find it hard to imagine this earth without him. God Bless.
Glen & John~ I have tears in my eyes as I write this…I'm so sad to hear of the passing of Gene! I have the fondest memories growing up as a kid and into adulthood of him (and your Mom) as we lived across the street. He was the “best of men”, always so kind and gentle! I just LOVED his smile and his wink!! He always made me laugh, he was so very genuine. Please know I am thinking of you both & praying for you and your families. I love you guys!!
John- our John- as Nick called you when he was little, we do grieve together for loved ones day by day.
Gene was a class act with a great sense of humor. Though we didn't get to spend a lot of time with Gene, the time we did have the opportunity to be with him and get to know him was very special. It would have been an honor to call him dad. Though he will be missed by his sons and their families, his friends and all who knew him, we are comforted to know that Virginia is waiting for him with open arms.
Dear Glen, John and Family.
So saddened to hear of your Dads passing. Gene and your Mom were two of the most important people in my life and my moms. I feel blessed to have had them in my life and am a better person because of it. I considered them my 2nd parents. I loved them and felt so much love in return. Altho my heart is heavy, my mom comforted me with an image of Gene and Ginia in heaven, together at last, as it should be. Even tho we have lost touch, I think of you so often. Please know my thoughts, prayers and love are with you all. So thankful to call the Potter family my family all these years.