Russell M. Potts "TOGETHER AGAIN"

Russell Max Potts, age 87, of Wooster, ascended to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday morning, September 5, 2011 where he was surrounded by his loving family from his earthly home. A celebration of life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday at Custer-Glenn Funeral Home, 2284 Benden Dr., Wooster with Pastors Nathan Ward and Eric Fairhurst officiating. Interment will follow at Wooster Cemetery and where military rites will take place. Visitation will be Thursday at the funeral home from 6 - 9p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to either: Hospice and Palliative Care of Greater Wayne County, 2525 Back Orrville Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691 or The Salvation Army-Wooster Corps, 437 S. Market St., Wooster, Ohio 44691. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at: www.custerglenn.com. He was born on October 31, 1923 in Cambridge, Ohio to Joseph D. and Cora B. (Parry) Potts. Russell graduated from Cambridge High School in 1942 and then married the love of his life, Betty Jane McKirahan, on November 22, 1942 at Zion Lutheran Church in Cambridge. She went home to be with her Lord on may 27th, 2005. After working a short time as a machinist with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company Aircraft Division (Blimps) in Akron. He was then drafted into the U.S. Army where he served as a Military Policeman during WWII in Fresno, California at Camp Pinedale with the 462nd Army Air Force Unit. After an Honorable Discharge in 1946, Russell attended Muskingum College, graduating in 1950 with a BA in education. After moving to Wooster in 1953 he attended Kent State University where he earned his Masters Degree. Russell touched many lives in many ways during his 33 year teaching career.It began at Dresden High School, Dresden, Ohio in 1950 (and yes, he taught some of the Longaberger children) and ended with retirement in 1983 after 30 wonderful years with the Wooster City School District as a 6th grade teacher at Bowman St. and Parkview Elementary Schools. After retirement he and his wife enjoyed some traveling to Florida and just being together. Russell had many collections including several hundred ball caps, campaign buttons (from way back!), special golfballs, bells, VCR movies and several smaller collections. He was well known for his happy, personality and always having a smile on his face. Russell had been a faithful, active member of the Wooster Church of The Nazarene over the years, serving on the board of directors, teaching adult Sunday School classes, leading the singing in the choir. He is survived by children, Marilyn Butzer of Wooster and Ronald Potts of Tallahassee, Florida; five grandchildren, David, Matthew and Janelle all of Ohio; Robert and Marcy of Florida; 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. In addition to his parents and his wife Betty, he is preceded in death by 7 brothers and sisters, Everett Potts, Margaret Thompson, Beatrice Gates, Ross Potts, Florence Stage, Jim Potts, June Hart and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Greater Wayne County for the wonderful care they gave Russell and the support they gave the family.

Russell M. Potts "TOGETHER AGAIN"

October 31, 1923 - September 5, 2011