October 12, 2021

Linn County News

Published Oct. 13, 2021

On Oct. 6, 2021, William Dean “Bill” Potter, Pittsburg, Kan., moved to eternal rest from the family home where he was lovingly cared for by his daughter and wife. Bill was born on Nov. 30, 1946, to Orville and Virginia Potter in Columbus, Kan. He grew up on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work and sacrifice from his mother and stepfather, Raymond Simpson.

Bill graduated from Columbus High School in 1964 and went on to complete electrical trade school at Kansas State College of Pittsburg. He completed additional college instruction at Pittsburg and Washburn University in Topeka. He was a master electrician and learned all things related to construction through his job experiences. He worked for Masonite for 18 years, retiring in 2006. His daughter was known to say “my dad can build anything.” He was both creative and talented, taking pride in building things that were unique and would last.

Bill joined the army in 1968, and served two tours of duty in Vietnam as a Staff Sergeant Special Forces Pathfinder where he was awarded a purple heart, two silver stars and four bronze stars among other citations. He was a paratrooper, sharpshooter and served as a jump instructor at the U.S. Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, Ga. On March 12, 1976, he was united in marriage to Deborah Post. She survives of the home.

Bill loved all things in nature especially his birds, dogs and faithful cats. He built structures for their comfort and protection and often tried to convince his wife to let them move into the home.

Bill was a private man who didn’t like personal attention but was very public in his confession to Christ. He was baptized into the Christian faith on Dec. 8, 2019.

Bill is survived by his wife, Debbie; daughter, Alicia Burk (Bob) of Pittsburg, Kan.; brothers, Bob Potter (Kathy) of Kansas City, and Derris Simpson (Cheryl) of Weir, Kan.; nephews, Darreld (Laura) Simpson of Weir,  Kan., Matt Simpson (Spring), Richard Potter (Holly), and Mike Potter (Holly); special in-laws, Greg and Sandy Post of Mapleton; and friends who he regarded as family, Phil and Diana Carter, Phil and Sherry Jagels, Judy and Dale Dufrene, Anna Kinghorne, Connie Stewart and many others.

A memorial service was held on Monday, Oct. 11, 2021, at the Countryside Christian Church with Pastor Jim Frech officiating. Private family burial will take place at a later date at Mapleton Cemetery.

Memorial donations can be made to Countryside Christian Church or the SEK Interlocal Foundation. In consideration for others, the family asks that friends and family adhere to the covid-19 safety protocols while participating in the services. The service will be live streamed on the following website, brennermortuary.com, through William’s obituary page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St., Pittsburg.