-- -- -- CLARENCE 'NEIL' POTTS ------
Former history teacher
Clarence "Neil" Potts, 71, of Stow, died Jan. 22, 2010, after an extended battle with cancer.
He was born June 5, 1938, in West Union to the late Victor M. and Dorothy R. Potts.
Mr. Potts grew up in Dundee, graduating from Dundee High School in 1956. He served four years in the U.S. Navy, stationed in Hawaii. There, he was part of an ACW crew, in VW-14 and then Airborne Early Warning Barrier Pacific Squadron, flying eight 16-hour missions per month.
In 2002, he went online to track down former crew members for a reunion, (they had not been in contact for 40 years).
After the military, he returned to Ohio, graduating from Kent State University in 1968 and settling in Stow. Mr. Potts enjoyed a diverse career as a history teacher at Stow High School, entrepreneur and later in life, as a financial planner.
He loved the outdoors, fishing and farming and always knew exactly where to ply his extensive mushroom hunting skills. He enjoyed spending time at the cabin in southern Ohio that he and his son built together.
Mr. Potts is survived by his son Richard (Heather) Potts of Hudson; daughter Laura Williams of Wadsworth; five grandchildren, Jackson David Potts, Adam Neil Potts and Sarah Marie Potts and Rebecca Lynn Williams and Rachel Marie Williams; and sisters Norma Jene Hostetler of San Antonio, Texas and Sherry (Harold) Smith of Sugarcreek.
Mr. Potts shared special times with Kathy House, deceased. Also he cherished his time with Judy Bates who cared for him in the final chapters of life.
Visitation was at Redmon Funeral Home. Funeral service was in Sugarcreek and burial in Strasburg.
A donation can be made to the Disabled American Veterans. Text "THANKS" to "90999" to give $5, or mail a donation to Disabled American Veterans at P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati 45250 or pass along a random act of kindness, or make someone laugh or smile. The video tribute for Mr. Potts may be seen at www.redmonfuneralhome.com.