John Lewis Potter

He was preceded in death by his father, Earl Potter, his mother, Pearl Sumpter Ford, his step father, Bob G. Ford, his brother, Robert Potter, and his step-son, Kevin Pitts. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Louise Potter and his children, Christine Potter Bolt, John Royce Potter, Guy Martin Potter, Pamela Penick, Michelle Bearden, Tamara George, and their spouses. He is also survived by 22 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

John was born in Bartlesville, Oklahoma to Earl and Pearl Potter on March 4, 1941. The United States was just beginning to emerge from a long lingering depression and was soon to enter World War II in December of that year.

John graduated with a degree from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and immediately taught physics and math at Bartlesville High where he graduated. Soon after, he went to work for Schlumberger Oil Field Services in Lincoln, Illinois, followed by Phillips Petroleum in Bartlesville, OK and later returned to Schlumberger in Houston. Following that, John joined Gulf Oil Corporation (later merged with Chevron) with an interesting and successful career as a geophysicist. Work took John to Houston, TX, London, England, Sumatra, Indonesia, Calgary, Canada, Denver, Colorado and finally back to Houston. John was recognized by Chevron for his contribution in the discovery of oil in two large fields.

John Potter had a deep, somewhat gruff voice with an Oklahoma accent and a wickedly dry sense of humor. John always said he was a proud Okie but moved to Texas as soon as he could. John loved Bass fishing, cooking on his grill, and their cabin outside of New Ulm. His favorite choice of automobile was a red Porsche, which he owned several of over a period of 35 years.

John died of complications following a stroke. John may have likely said at this point at the end of his life: “Now, they talk nice about me.” John leaves a legacy of his love for God, his love for his family, and his love of the long lasting friendships that he built through the years.

There will be a viewing on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 from 5:00-7:00 pm and a memorial service on Wednesday, March 13, 2019 at 1:00 pm. Pastor Charles Wisdom will be officiating the service. Burial to follow funeral service. All services will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home, 13001 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77079.