John W Potter Jr.'s Obituary
John "Johnny" W. Potter Jr., age 97, of Centerville, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center.
Johnny was born on October 7, 1928, in Mendota, Missouri, the son of John W. Potter Sr. and Ruth (Mincks) Potter. At just 17 years old, on February 15, 1946, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served his country faithfully and was honorably discharged on December 11, 1947 - a chapter of his life he carried with quiet pride.
On August 16, 1981, Johnny was united in marriage to Sheryl "Sherry" Ann Swanson. With their marriage, Johnny was blessed with three bonus children, Kathryn, Jill, and Jeff, whom he loved as his own.
Johnny spent his life as a dedicated farmer. The land was more than his livelihood -it was part of who he was. A man who rarely sat still, he was gifted with his hands and found joy in woodworking, wood crafting, and tinkering as a mechanic. He could build, repair, or restore just about anything placed before him. He loved to travel, was drawn to the beauty of the mountains, and even took to the skies as a pilot, embracing both adventure and independence.
Above all, Johnny loved his wife tremendously. Their years together were filled with devotion and companionship. When Sherry passed away on January 19, 2026, Johnny was truly heartbroken, carrying her memory with him every day thereafter.
Johnny will be remembered for his steady work ethic, his quiet strength, his skilled hands, and the deep love he held for his family. His legacy lives on in the fields he tended, the projects he built, and the lives he touched throughout his 97 remarkable years.
Those left to honor Johnny's memory are his sister, Lois Howard; his nephews, Kelley Potter and Bruce Potter; his step children, Kathryn (John) Brown, Jill Redwine, and Jeff Byers; five step grandchildren, Ashley Ellis, Britney Sheffield, Nicholas Byers, Tyler Brown, and Zachary Byers; ten great grandchildren; as well as several extended family members.
Johnny was preceded in death by his wife, Sherry Potter; his parents, John and Ruth Potter Sr.; his brother, Raymond Potter; and his infant sister, Alice Potter.
Graveside services will be held at 1:00PM, Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at Hilltown Cemetery in Moulton with Pastor Kay Singley officiating. Memorials have been established to the Cincinnati Volunteer Fire Department, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Potter Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at https://www.thomasfh.com or https://www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
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