- Date Of Birth: August 25, 1919
- Date Of Death: July 14, 2011
- State: Michigan
Richard R. Potter, 91, of Galien, Michigan died Thursday afternoon, July 14, 2011 at his home. Richard was born August 25, 1919 in Buchanan, Michigan to Clarence and Esther (Metzger) Potter. He grew up in Galien and attended Galien High School. Richard was the first Galien resident to be called into service during World War II and served his country in the U.S. Army Air Corps.
Richard was stationed in North Africa during the North African Campaign. He was crew chief, overseeing the repair and maintenance work on the planes and earned two Silver Stars, Two Bronze Stars and two Presidential unit citations for his service. On June 2, 1945 he married Vera James at the Olive Branch Church in Galien. Richard was employed as an aircraft inspector for the U.S. Government Defense Contract Administrative Services in South Bend His fascination with airplanes continued even after his retirement in 1974. Richard enjoyed collecting Model Cars and Military items for display.
Richard was a member of the Olive Branch United Methodist Church, the Roy Chilson American Legion Post 344, Galien, and was a life member of the Gladys Lyon VFW Post, Buchanan.
Survivors include his wife, Vera; son James R. (Sharon) Potter of Auburn, Washington; grandchildren, Jerry Potter, Janelle Morrow and Chad Potter; great grandchildren, Ryle, Brennan, Cy and Rory; sisters, Norma Harker and Clara Liska both of Buchanan; sister in law, Donna Potter of Galien and several nieces and nephews.
