John Wayne Potts, Sr."Big John"

Springfield, MO

John Wayne Potts, 75 years, 9 months, and 11 days old, passed to Heaven on September 13, 2015 at his home with his family by his side.

John was born December 2, 1939 in Taylor Township, MI to Julian Leroy "Roy" and Margaret (Kulick) Potts.

John was a current resident of Springfield, MO and formerly of Ava, MO.

On November 6, 1988 John and Patricia "Pat" Frank were united in marriage in Las Vegas, NV.

John was retired from Longdollar Furniture Store of Ava. John had also owned and operated Sho-Me Auto Parts, P.J.'s Chicken & Deli and Tri-State Battery all in Ava.
He was a member of the Shriners in Springfield, MO, Scottish Rites of Joplin, MO,
charter member of the Elk's Lodge in West Plains, MO, Eagles Lodge and Ava Masonic Lodge #26.

He was a Christian and has attended the First Southern Baptist Church of Ava.

If you knew "Big John" he lived his life to the fullest.

John was preceded in death by his parents, two step sons, Robert and Doug Watson, three brothers; Bud, Raymond and Dick and one sister, Betty Lou Denny.

John is survived by his wife, Patricia Lynn "Pat" Potts, of the home, his three children; Deb Potts, Wildwood, MO, John Jr. & Kerie Potts, Portland, MO, David & Shanna Potts, Ava, MO and six step children; Frank & Linda Watson, Strafford, MO, Steve & Jean Watson, Springfield, MO, Jay & Jan Watson, Springfield, MO, Mike Watson, Portland, MO, Nancy & Leland Barnes, Ava, MO and Bill Watson, Kansas City, MO, many grandchildren, a host of great grandchildren, one sister, Dolores Barnum, Ava, MO,
many nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.


Funeral services for "Big John" will be Friday, September 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Chapel, Ava, MO with burial in the Ava Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from Noon to service time in the funeral home. Officiating will be Pastor Greg Mosley.

Memorials may be made to Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis, MO.