Herb Potter, 81, of Hutchinson, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2018, at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita. He was born in Hutchinson to parents, Clarence and Cleo (Crandall) Potter. Herb graduated from Partridge High School and Hutchinson Jr. College. While in Hutchinson, he was employed by Betts Bakery, Acme Paints, Brown Wholesale, Phillips News, and Reffner Sporting Goods. A major activity in those days was coaching youth baseball in Cub Scouts, recreation leagues, and almost ten years with the Hutchinson American Legion team.

Following graduation from Wichita State University in 1970, Herb began a teaching career at Park Hill High School in suburban north Kansas City, MO. He taught English there for 25 years and was involved in department leadership, the local and state National Education Association, staff development, and served as head cross-country and track & field coach. He always relished the fields of educating young people.

Herb earned an M.A. degree from Central Missouri State University in 1977 and did extensive further graduate study at UMKC, CMSU, NWMSU, and at Iowa State. After his retirement in 1995, Herb held part-time positions at The Kansas City Star and Quest Diagnostics. He was always a good sports fan, supporting the Kansas City Royals and the WSU Shockers. He loved books, movies, the theater, classic rock-and-roll, and took great interest in politics as a good liberal. Upon returning to Hutchinson in 2007, Herb enjoyed supporting Blue Dragon sports and hanging out at bookstores, libraries, the Silver Dollar, and Carl's Bar--generally having a good time.

Survivors include: brother, Louis of Hutchinson; many nieces and nephews, including Jim and Alex Potter of Hutchinson, Bob and Mary Potter of Hutchinson, Patricia Albrecht and Matt Davis of the Washington D.C. area, Peggy Hargus, Wichita and Daniel Potter, Locust Grove, OK. A couple of ex-wives and a number of dear ex-girlfriends also probably survive. Brothers, Hal (Nell) and Floyd; sisters, Ruth Singletary and Peggy Garrison (Wes) preceded Herb in death. Cremation has taken place, with inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery, west of Hutchinson.

'I heard a fly buzz when I died.'