Lester G. Potts

Lester Potts, 92, of Washington, KS, died Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Homestead Nursing Home in Washington. A funeral service was held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 4, at Ward Funeral Home in Washington. The Rev. Randy Jellison-Knock officiated. Sheila Ouellette played the organ while Leland Cook sang "In the Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross". Burial was in the Washington City Cemetery. Casket bearers were Randy Latta, David Potts, Doug Anderson, Ron Dodd, Gary Stone and Mark Boldt. Honorary bearers were Simon Fulton, Cecil Potts and Merlin Potts. Lester was born August 25, 1916 near the Marshall County line south of Waterville, KS, the son of Gustav and Amanda (Kneemeyer) Potts. He attended country school and then helped on the family farm. He entered active duty with the US Army in November of 1941 and served until October of 1945. On December 24, 1942 he was united in marriage to Louise Petrie at Salina. After being Honorably Discharged from the U.S. Army they moved to Abilene where he worked as a truck driver hauling feed for a mill. In September of 1956 he bought Fletcher Auto Parts in Washington and renamed it Potts Auto Parts and Supply. He operated the store from 1956 until his retirement in 2000. He loved tinkering with motors, cars, and enjoyed golfing and bowling. He also enjoyed playing pitch with friends and family and displaying and running his model trains. He was a past member of the Washington Volunteer Fire Department. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Louise; one son, Loren Potts and wife Alice of Washington, KS; one daughter, Linda Grover and husband Jim of Morrowville, KS; two brothers, Marvin Potts and wife Dorothy of Washington, Glenn Potts and wife Marjorie of Oketo, KS; five grandchildren, Mary Dodd and husband Ron of Washington, David Potts and wife Jennifer of Conway Springs, KS, Stacy Zenger and husband Scott of Shawnee, KS, Stephanie Boldt and husband Mark of Lincoln, NE, Kristin Grover of Lawrence, KS; and seven great-grandchildren, Kelsie Dodd, Leslie Dodd, Makayla Potts, Aliette Potts, Peyton Zenger, Brice Zenger and Liam Boldt. A memorial fund has been established and will be designated at a later date. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lester G. Potts, please visit our flower store.