Robert G. Potts, 99, of West Salem, Illinois, passed away August 27, 2024, at Oakview Nursing & Rehab, in Mt Carmel, Illinois. Bob was born July 30, 1925 in rural Allendale, Illinois. He was the seventh of nine children, born to Edgar and Eliza “Bell” (Turner) Potts.
Robert enlisted in the US Marine Corp during World War II. His active service was November 1, 1943 through March 18, 1946. He was a proud veteran and rode on many veteran floats in the West Salem parades.
Bob wed his first wife, Allene Higgins, on June 19, 1948. She preceded him in death on May 8, 1984. Bob and Allene had three daughters, Deborah, Patricia and Lori.
Bob married Carolyn (Lomas) Summerfield on May 27, 1988. Bob gained three step-children in this union, Patti, Beverly and Gary.
Bob worked at many jobs but held a position at Snap-On from April 1970 - December 1991. He was a good provider and in his early retirement years he and Carolyn belonged to a Gold Wing Motorcycle club. Bob was a member of the First Christian Church in West Salem, Illinois. He had been an active deacon and trustee, serving Communion when he was more able. Bob mowed a lot of yards for people in West Salem early in his retirement and mowed his own yard until a month before he turned 98. He took great pride in his yard!
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Patricia Potts, formerly of Mt Carmel, Illinois. Bob was also preceded in death by all eight of his siblings; Sisters: Sarabelle Shank, Mary Jane Green, and one infant girl; and brothers: Marvin, Lawrence, Niles, Roy, and Frank Potts. Also preceding him in death was a step-great-grandson, Keeton Mewes.
Bob is survived by his daughters, Deborah Potts of Lawrenceville, Illinois and Lori (Jonathan) Wilbourne of Bridgewater, Iowa; step-children: Patti (Max) Michels of Albion, Illinois, Beverly Hall of West Salem, Illinois and Gary Harrison of Roseburg, Oregon. Also surviving are grand-children: Valerie (John) Dotson, Manchester, Michigan, Jennifer (Bob Klein) Foster, Westport, Illinois, Eric (Nikki) Stangle Phoenix, Arizona, Kevin Stangle Gillespie, Illinois, A.J. (Tina) Mills, Orient, Iowa, Christian (Staci) Mills, Bridgewater, Iowa, and Jordan (Danielle) Jones Mt Carmel, Illinois; and seven step-grandchildren. Great-grandchildren are Xavier, Jasmine, Trace, Darian, Chelsea, Dakota, Kiersten, Sheridan, Rafe, Kayla, Stephanie, Leah and Abryanna; 14 step-grandchildren and 3 Great-Great grandchildren. He is also survived by many, many nieces and nephews.
Bob will be missed by his many friends and family that he shared his life with over his 99 years.
Visitation for Robert G. Potts will be held on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the First Christian Church in West Salem, Illinois Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., also at the church. Burial will follow at Allendale Cemetery in Allendale, Illinois.
Memorials in memory of Bob Potts may be made to the West Salem Senior Citizens Center or the West Salem American Legion Post 658. Envelopes will be available at the church.
Ingram Meridith Funeral Home of West Salem is honored to help with the arrangements.
