Obituary of Clarence Potts

Clarence "Neil" Potts, 71, of Stow, died January 22, 2010 after an extended battle with cancer, challenging it to the end with his trademark wit and an unending toughness that made him truly one-of-a-kind.   He was born June 5, 1938, in West Union, OH to the late Victor M. and Dorothy R. Potts. Neil grew up in Dundee OH, graduating from Dundee High School in 1956.  He defended our freedom by serving 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 (AEWBARRONPAC), flying eight,16-hour missions per month to ensure enemy wasn’t approaching.   In 2002, he went online to track down former crew members for a reunion, (they had not been in contact for 40 years) forever rejuvenating the tight bond with the brotherhood. After the military he returned to Ohio, graduating from Kent State University in 1968 and settling in Stow.   Neil enjoyed a diverse career as a history teacher at Stow High School, entrepreneur and later in life as a financial planner. He will be remembered by all who crossed his path as a great teacher, one who rarely missed an opportunity to emphasize common sense or to share a life lesson.  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. His handmade swing hangs strongly on the Sycamore tree limb for all to enjoy for years to come.  He also was a hunter who proudly exercised his Constitutional right to bear arms.   His colorful use of the English language was legendary, but his greatest gift was his ability to communicate with everyone. He could walk into a room of strangers and leave with friends. His friends are too numerous to name but he leaves an indelible mark on those who knew and loved him, particularly his two children and five grandchildren.   Neil is survived by his son Richard (Heather) Potts ("Thank you for teaching me many things, but nothing more important than how to be a man. I work on it every day. Although my efforts are a weak attempt to get to your level, I still wake up every morning and give it my best.") of Hudson; daughter Laura Williams ("I would like to thank you for all of life's lessons you taught me and for always being there supporting me through every one of them. Not a day will go by that I won't miss you!") of Wadsworth; five grandchildren Jackson David Potts, Adam Neil Potts and Sarah Marie Potts and Rebecca Lynn Williams and Rachel Marie Williams; sisters Norma Jene Hostetler of San Antonio,TX and Sherry (Harold) Smith of Sugarcreek, OH.   Neil shared special times with the late Kathy House.  Also he cherished his time with Judy Bates who cared for him in the final chapters of life.   Come share stories of this amazing man, father and friend of all on Friday, January 29 from 3:30 PM to 6:30 PM at Redmon Funeral Home, and on Saturday January 30th from 9 AM until 11 AM at Smith Funeral Home (1018 W. Main Street in Sugarcreek) where funeral service will follow at 11 AM.   In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Disabled American Veterans.  Just TEXT "THANKS" to "90999" to give $5, or mail a donation to Disabled American Veterans at PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH, 45250 or simply pass along a random act of kindness, or make someone laugh or smile as Neil would have.  The video tribute for Mr. Potts may be seen here.