Melvin J. Potts

A distinguished member of the Greatest Generation, Melvin J. Potts, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 8 at Arbors of Sylvania, with his dear wife, Grace by his side. Born in Toledo August 23, 1916 to Anna and Earl Potts, Mel attended Waite High School and earned a B.A.in Business '38 from The University of Toledo. He enlisted in the Naval Reserves and was called to active duty December 16, 1941, where upon graduation from flight school, he became a flight instructor, and then assigned to sea duty as a fighter pilot flying off aircraft carriers Saratoga and Monterey during WW II. In March 1943 he married Jayne Fisher Carvahlo. After the war, Melvin was associated with Mutual of Omaha for 36 years, working from Toledo, St. Louis, and Omaha. He retired in 1981 and moved to Independence, MO in 1991 where Jayne died in 2001. In addition to Melvin's commitment to his family was his service to community, including serving as treasurer of his church in St. Louis; President, UT Alumni Association, 1955-56; President, Kiwanis Club, Gold K. of Omaha and member of Kiwanis in Independence for many years. Mel didn't fly much after the service , but took Grace on a memorable hot air balloon ride when they were courting. He enjoyed traveling, golf, bridge, gardening, woodworking, horseshoes, caning chairs and was a member of Epworth Church. Surviving are his daughters, Gale Martin of Independence, MO and Judy (Hal) Lemble of Orlando, Fl, and Son, Gordon (Linda) of Longmont, Co, brother, Frank (Jean) Potts, six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Mel moved back to Toledo when he married Grace Campbell in September, 2002, and she survives him, along with her children, Rick (Thelma), Stuart (Cyndi), Janet Schroeder and Joan (Steve) Shallcross. Friends may gather with the family beginning at 10:00 a.m. Saturday February 13 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 3077 Valley View Drive, where a Memorial service will be held to celebrate Melvin's Life at 11:00 a.m. In Lieu of flowers, a contribution to the church or charity of the donor's choice might be considered.

Service Information

Saturday, February 13th, 2010 11:00am, Epworth United Methodist Church

Interment Details