Thomas James Potter, Sr

Thomas J. Potter, Sr., was released from earthy suffering on November 7, 2014 at his home in Sandy, UT. Tom was born August 23, 1930, in the small mining community of Sublet, Lincoln County, WY, to Thomas Henry and Matilda Katherine (Mecca-Aleina) Potter. The family soon moved to Frontier, WY, where they were blessed with a second child, Virginia Elizabeth [Stevenson].Tom was married to the love of his life and Partner in Parenting, Patricia Joy Horton in Kemmerer, WY, and the marriage was later solemnized in the Ogden Temple. Tom and Patty had just celebrated their 49th anniversary on October 6th of this year. Tom lived in Frontier, graduating from KHS in 1948, and then attended the University of Wyoming on a band (French Horn/Trumpet) scholarship. He later earned his Master's in Music from the WYO in 1961. Tom always spoke of growing up in a loving, closely-knit family that celebrated every holiday together. His favorite memories were of learning to hunt and fish with his father. He loved spending time with his dad until the untimely death of his father two weeks after their last hunt together.

Tom was a member of the Army ROTC Scabbard and Blade and various other honoraries at the University. After graduation Tom was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and earned his Jump Wings at Fort Benning, GA, before being permanently assigned to Delta Company 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg, NC. He was always proud of his service to his country and spoke of the great times at Forts Benning and Bragg. It was a matter of great pride to him that his son, Thomas, Jr., followed his military example with multiple re-enlistments and serving as Tank Commander in the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division and of his daughter, Christy, who served for several years in the U.S. Navy. He was also proud of grandsons, Jed (U.S. Army), Corey (U.S. Marines), Nathan (U.S. Navy a