Donald E. Potts

Donald E. 'Pottsie' Potts, age 89 of Massillon, passed away Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at Altercare of Nobles Pond. Donald was born on October 17, 1922 in Byesville, Ohio the son of Roy and Roxie (Gary) Potts. Donald was a United States Army veteran and served in WWII as a member of the 872nd Airborne Aviation Engineering Battalion, Heavy Weapons Unit. Donald was a cook, camp newspaper reporter and Guernsey Co. news war correspondent. He received a commendation as news editor of the Unit Publication, 'Landing Mat'. Donald was a 1940 graduate of Byesville High School. Pottsie retired from Republic Steel in 1983 after 40 years of service. He enjoyed jazz music, photography, seeing the planes at MAPS air museum, attending air shows, watching the Cleveland Indians and spending time with his grandchildren. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Charles Potts, his granddaughter, Heather Mease, his brother-in-law and best friend, Warne Basford, and his sister-in-law, Bonnie Potts. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, E. Lucille (Campton) Potts with whom he celebrated 69 years of marriage; his children, Patricia Burwell, Sharon (Tom) Baum, Brian (Marsha) Potts, Mary Ann Potts, and Holly (Mike) Keller; his grandchildren, Shannon Wagner, Steven Keller, Natalie Keller, Jason Potts, Cassie Potts, Brianna Potts, Chris and Scott Larson, Debra Ferguson, Eric and Donnie Potts; his great-grandchildren, Tony and Andrew Mease, Zac Wagner, and Owen Keller; his sister, Dorothy Basford and brother, Dwight Potts. A special thanks to the staff at Altercare of Nobles Pond and Mercy Hospice for their excellent care. A Celebration of Donald's Life will be held on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. at the Paquelet Funeral Home. Rev. Barry Stirbens will be officiating. Cremation will follow. Friends may call at the funeral home Friday from 6-8 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to The Wilderness Center in Wilmot. Messages of comfort and support may be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet – Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home (330) 833-3222