Obituary of Thomas R. Potts

Thomas R. Potts, Sr., 90, of Elmer died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 7, 2015. “Loving God, loving each other, making music with our friends. Loving God, loving each other and the story never ends. “ Born in Moorestown to the late Edward H. Potts and Margaret Stafford Potts, he was the husband of Sandra Kienzle Potts. He was predeceased by his first wife, Doris VanFossen Potts. Thomas was a World War Two Veteran, serving his country in the United States Navy in Normandy during the D-Day Invasion. He was part of the crew of the GLEAVES Class Ship, USS FRANKFORD (DD-497) which was a mainstay during the invasion of France both at D-Day and later. Known as a “Tin Can Sailor”, he was at Omaha Beach manning the anti-aircraft gun on deck and sailed close enough to the beach to scrape bottom. He was discharged from service as Seaman First Class on April 9, 1945. Prior to his retirement, he had worked as president of several companies, including the Major Bearing Co. in Camden. Besides his wife, Sandra, he is survived by two sons, Thomas R. Potts, Jr. (Karen) and William S. Potts (Jacqueline) and two daughters, Barbara Piaget (Thomas) and Sarah Schut (Edward), 12 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; step-children, Diana Sanders, Kim Dailyda (John), Robert Rain, Jr., Sarah Veteri (Martin) and Samantha Sanders (Corin); 10 step-grandchildren and 4 step-great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Susan Potts. Memorial services will be held at Deerfield Presbyterian Church, 530 Old Deerfield Pike, Upper Deerfield Township on Saturday, May 16th at 11 AM. Burial will follow the services at Deerfield Presbyterian Cemetery. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME, Upper Deerfield Township. Written condolences can be sent to the family through the funeral home website at www.padgettfuneralhomes.com.