Walter Clayton Potts

Walter Clayton Potts life long resident of Cleveland, Oklahoma, passed away at his home on Monday, June 18, 2012, at the age of 88 years, ten months and three days. Fuzzy was born on August 15, 1923, in Drumright, Oklahoma. He was the son of Louis H. and Elizabeth Christina (Niehoff) Potts. As a young boy Fuzzy was raised on the Potts family farm near Terlton, Oklahoma. As a child he enjoyed playing sports and swimming in the spring. Fuzzy later graduated from Terlton High School with the Class of 1942. After high school Fuzzy began working in the oil field and was later called to the service of his country. He joined the United States Army on December 22, 1943. He served as a rifleman, warehouseman, heavy truck driver, rigger and motor transport NCO. Fuzzy was one of the first of the U.S. landing party at Omaha Beach on the D-6 landing. Fuzzy also served his time in Northern France, Rhineland as well as Central Europe. He was awarded the following decorations and citations: World War II Victory Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, European-African-Middle-Eastern Theater Ribbon with 3 Bronze Service Stars. Fuzzy was honorably discharged as Staff Sergeant on March 25, 1946. On January 18, 1950, he was united in marriage to ElVera Louella Martin in Britton, Oklahoma. They settled in Oklahoma City prior to building his current home in rural Cleveland in 1952, where they raised their four children Sue, Teresa, Clayton and Roger. During this time Fuzzy worked in the oil field and built many homes in the Cleveland area. He retired as custodian from the Cleveland Public Schools in May of 1988. Fuzzy enjoyed gardening and carpentry. Most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Elizabeth Potts, sister Wanda Potts, brother Dale Potts and his wife of 35 years ElVera Potts. Survivors are his four children Sue Potts of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Teresa Potts of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Clayton Potts and his wife Tammy of Norwich, Kansas, Roger Potts and wife Ila of Cleveland, Oklahoma; one brother Bob Potts and his wife Vada Potts of Terlton, Oklahoma, three sisters Wilma Spencer and her husband Floyd of Cleveland, Oklahoma, Maxine Creekmore of Terlton, Oklahoma, Louise Whittenburg of Terlton, Oklahoma, six grandchildren, five great grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Graveside services will be held 10:30 am Friday, June 22, 2012 at the Terlton Cemetery with Rev. David Head officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home.