Obituary for Bob Potter
Robert (Bob) Leonard Potter of Oklahoma City, OK, passed peacefully on November 30, 2022. He leaves a hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
Bob was born on September 3, 1931, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Richard and Christine Potter. He attended Capitol Hill High School, Class of 1949, where he met and made lifelong friends with whom he stayed in touch throughout his life. After high school, Bob served four years in the U.S. Navy as a sailor and worked as a signalman aboard the USS Melvin DD680. Following his service in the Navy, he went on to graduate from Central State University, earning his bachelor's degree. He then served in the Oklahoma City Police Department as a Scout, Motorcycle, and Traffic Officer; while in the police force, Bob attended Oklahoma City University Law School. Bob also served in the U.S. Army Reserve, completing flight school and proudly serving as a Helicopter Pilot. After 20 years, he retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Bob met Frances (Fran) Marie Madden and was married in Oklahoma City on July 3, 1970. Together, they owned and operated a bridal salon and photography studio for almost two decades, where they helped create many beautiful memories through catering and photography. Bob was a professional and passionate photographer who loved capturing countless life moments through the lens. His passion for photography extended through his photos and was evident through the abundant equipment collected through his years.
In retirement, Bob maintained his love for photography, continuing to do freelance work for family gatherings, business gatherings, and youth team sports. You could always find Bob holding up a camera wherever he went—he knew the memories he made with a picture would last a lifetime. In addition, Bob loved serving the Oklahoma City community; he had a soft heart for people and sought to help everyone he encountered.
Bob is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 52 years, Fran Potter; daughters, Christine James and Kelly Verner (husband Steve); and sons, Cole Potter (wife Chee Wei) and David Rider (wife Emilie). Bob was also a loving and adoring "papa" to his many grand & great-grandchildren.
Bob loved his family dearly; he was a fantastic man, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He loved spending time with his good friends and telling stories of his life experiences. Bob was always the life of the party. Bob will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and the laughter he brought to every gathering he attended. He will be genuinely missed, and the ones he leaves behind will never forget their time with him.
Bob was born on September 3, 1931, in Oklahoma City, OK, to Richard and Christine Potter. He attended Capitol Hill High School, Class of 1949, where he met and made lifelong friends with whom he stayed in touch throughout his life. After high school, Bob served four years in the U.S. Navy as a sailor and worked as a signalman aboard the USS Melvin DD680. Following his service in the Navy, he went on to graduate from Central State University, earning his bachelor's degree. He then served in the Oklahoma City Police Department as a Scout, Motorcycle, and Traffic Officer; while in the police force, Bob attended Oklahoma City University Law School. Bob also served in the U.S. Army Reserve, completing flight school and proudly serving as a Helicopter Pilot. After 20 years, he retired from the Army Reserve as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Bob met Frances (Fran) Marie Madden and was married in Oklahoma City on July 3, 1970. Together, they owned and operated a bridal salon and photography studio for almost two decades, where they helped create many beautiful memories through catering and photography. Bob was a professional and passionate photographer who loved capturing countless life moments through the lens. His passion for photography extended through his photos and was evident through the abundant equipment collected through his years.
In retirement, Bob maintained his love for photography, continuing to do freelance work for family gatherings, business gatherings, and youth team sports. You could always find Bob holding up a camera wherever he went—he knew the memories he made with a picture would last a lifetime. In addition, Bob loved serving the Oklahoma City community; he had a soft heart for people and sought to help everyone he encountered.
Bob is survived by his beautiful and loving wife of 52 years, Fran Potter; daughters, Christine James and Kelly Verner (husband Steve); and sons, Cole Potter (wife Chee Wei) and David Rider (wife Emilie). Bob was also a loving and adoring "papa" to his many grand & great-grandchildren.
Bob loved his family dearly; he was a fantastic man, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to many. He loved spending time with his good friends and telling stories of his life experiences. Bob was always the life of the party. Bob will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and the laughter he brought to every gathering he attended. He will be genuinely missed, and the ones he leaves behind will never forget their time with him.