Thomas Preston Potter, age 61, passed away on Monday, February 15, 2010. He was born November 24, 1948 in Tulsa, Okla. to James and Almeda Potter.

He was proud to serve his country in the Vietnam War.

He enlisted in the US Army on December 9, 1966 and was received an Honorable Discharge on January 17, 1969, after serving two tours in Vietnam. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and the Combat Infantry’s Badge. He was a member and very involved in the American Legion, Post Number 1 in Tulsa and the Disabled American Veterans. He received numerous awards for his membership drives and because of his hard work he rose through the ranks to a high office with the American Legion, Post Number 1. Tommy was employed by both the Sapulpa Herald and the Tulsa World where he delivered newspapers.

He is survived by two sisters; Nona Hessman and husband, Dave of Kellyville, Okla. and Cleta Stewart of Tulsa, Okla., two brothers; Charles Potter and wife, Julie of Broken Arrow and James Potter and wife, Kim of Kansas; his nephews and nieces Jim and Jeremy Hessman, Cody and Shelby Potter and Mariah Potter. He also is survived by several great nieces and nephews whom he loved.

He was preceded in death by his parents James and Almeda Potter.

Tommy always loved and supported Kellyville. He enjoyed volunteering in numerous areas involving the kids of Kellyville, such as the Kellyville PTO, and little league baseball, as well as the high school basketball and baseball teams in the fundraisers. He didn’t have any children of his own, but he considered it an honor and a privilege to work with the children of Kellyville and he loved them like they were his own.

One of his proudest moments was May 13, 2008 when he received his high school diploma from East Central High School after 42 years because he had left school early to serve in the US armed forces.

Service will be 10 a.m., Friday, February 19, 2010 at Dripping Springs Baptist Church outside of Kellyville with the Reverend Greg Hurst officiating and burial will follow at Sunrise Cemetery. Casket bearers will include Brian East, Ray Robinson, Ken Reeves, Clayton Richardson, Jim Baldridge, Kevin Handi, Joe Ballard and Chuck James. Honorary Bearers will be Jim Hessman, Jeremy Hessman, Drew Hessman, Nick Hessman and Jackson Hessman. The family has chosen to entrust the care of the service to the directors at Green Hill Funeral Home.

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