Gary L. Potts

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Gary L. Potts passed away on Wed, March 27, 2019 at the age of 77 in Overland Park, KS. He was born in Iola, KS on April 9, 1941 to his parents, Laurence A. and Jessie (Taxter) Potts. He is survived by his wife, Janice (Spiewak), including three daughters, Melissa Potts (Joe Lehman) and their daughter, Reese Lehman of Overland Park, KS; Tayve Potts, and her children, Sayde Martin and Masyn Potts of Pittsburg, KS; Kristi and husband Noah Garber and their children, Dalton and Wyatt Garber of Lawrence, KS; two brothers, C.A. Potts of Granger, Indiana and Ron Potts, Lansing, KS. He graduated from Leavenworth High School in 1959 and received his Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Kansas in 1969. He served his country in the United States Marines 1961-1967. Gary will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loving father and grandfather, proud U.S. Marine Corp. Veteran, and successful entrepreneur – most notably as restaurant proprietor, vending machine business owner, and custom home builder.

An informal Celebration of Life reception for family and friends will be held on Wed, April 3rd at 5:30 PM at The Jayhawk Club, 1809 Birdie Way, Lawrence, KS 66047. Food and beverages will be served.

Private family memorial service with military honors will also be held on Wed, April 3rd in Lawrence.

Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044.

For more information or to post a condolence go to warrenmcelwain.com.

24 Condolences

  1. Patti Winn on March 30, 2019 at 11:21 am

    So sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. I enjoyed working with him. We recently conversed at Dillons. He was a great guy. My condolences to the family.



  2. Barbara Brizendine on March 30, 2019 at 4:38 pm

    Kristi, We are so sorry for your’s and your family’s loss. Barbara and Larry



  3. Judy Beveridge on March 30, 2019 at 10:47 pm

    So sorry to learn of Gary’s passing. I will always remember our good times as neighbors in Macomb. Please know that you and the girls and their families are in my thoughts at this time.



  4. Eileen Sickel on March 31, 2019 at 4:35 am

    Dear Janice, I am so sorry for your loss. Sincerely, Eileen Sickel



  5. Gary Tracy on March 31, 2019 at 7:05 am

    Janice, I’m sorry fir your loss. I’ll be praying for you daily.



  6. Susie Mercer on March 31, 2019 at 9:01 am

    So sorry for your loss. It was an honor to care for him. He always had a kind word or a funny story to share. Bless you all during these difficult times.



  7. Linda Lester on March 31, 2019 at 10:00 am

    Janice, so sorry . Gary was the first person we met when we moved back to Lawrence in the early 70’s. He was our Realtor, sold us our first house, keeping in touch with us thru the years. Linda Lester



  8. John and Janet Adams on March 31, 2019 at 11:14 am

    We are so sorry for your loss, Janice. Please give our love to your girls and your grandchildren. We will always remember Gary fondly as he was always so friendly and was always one to stop and talk.
    Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.❤



  9. Judy Hill on March 31, 2019 at 12:43 pm

    So sorry for your loss of Gary , Janice. My thoughts and Prayers to you and your family. With my deepest Sympathy. Judy Hill



  10. John and Cindy Gress on March 31, 2019 at 1:49 pm

    Kristi we’ll be think and praying for you and yours in this difficult time.



  11. Lori Reasoner on March 31, 2019 at 3:27 pm

    Kristi, your dad had to be an amazing man to raise such an amazing daughter. My thoughts are with you and your family.



  12. Diane Johnson on March 31, 2019 at 4:36 pm

    Janice and Family; Please know we are thinking of you at this time….Our prayers for you and your family…



  13. Carol Wallin on March 31, 2019 at 9:41 pm

    Dear Janice and family,
    I was so saddened to learn of Gary’s passing. He was truly one of my oldest friends. We knew each other from early childhood and shared many memories and good times thu he years. I can’t begin to imagine how much you will miss him. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Carol Bradley Wallin



  14. Bill Baker on March 31, 2019 at 10:29 pm

    Janice, you and your family remain in my thoughts and prayers. May Gary rest in peace.



  15. Jen (Bruner) Mier & family on March 31, 2019 at 11:53 pm

    So sorry for your loss Jan & family. Will be thinking of you in these days and months ahead. My condolences to you all.



  16. Sarah Higgins on April 1, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Sarah and Ray Higgins
    Dear Janice and Family,
    Please accept our sympathy in Gary’s death. He was a good friend to Ian ever since he was a little fellow. When that white van came home Ian was off to find Gary! And golf, etc.
    Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
    Sarah and Ray



  17. Ann Williams Thomes on April 2, 2019 at 8:58 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family.



  18. Jo Ann Spiewak on April 2, 2019 at 11:42 am

    Jo Ann Spiewak
    Dear Janice
    So sorry to hear about Gary. I met him in the 60’s as my brother in law and through out the years. He was a good man. May God comfort you all doing this time. ????



  19. Mary Lou and Ed Almanza on April 2, 2019 at 8:38 pm

    So sorry to see that Gary passed away, Janice! He was a very friendly, kind person and will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family at this difficult time!



  20. Buddy Woodham on April 2, 2019 at 11:37 pm

    I can imagine Pottsy could have written this to his wife Janice and his daughters…..
    But, oh, my loves, If the dead can come back to this earth and flit
    unseen around those they loved, I shall always be near you, in the
    gladdest days and in the darkest nights.. if there be a soft breeze upon
    your cheek, it shall be my breath, as the cool air fans your throbbing
    temple, it shall be my spirit passing by.

    I met Pottsy at a very early age…. he was always a sensational friend to have for 60 years!…..thanks Gary…. We will always find your memory in a setting sun….
    buddy woodham Semper Fi



  21. Cathy and Greg Thrasher on April 3, 2019 at 8:11 am

    Our sympathies to the Potts family. One of our first dates was at Campus Hideaway with Gary’s excellent pizza. We have not ever found another pizza the same! We also have good memories of one particular road trip with Gary and Janice to New Orleans on virtually impassable roads. He was the ringleader on finding the best restaurants in New Orleans. I remember Andrew Jackson’s in particular. At least I think that was the name!! I would run into Gary once in awhile in more recent years at a grocery store, etc and we would always have a good visit. Nurse Janice and Nurse Kristi have helped with our health care for years. Again, our sympathies on losing Gary.



  22. Ruth Foster on April 3, 2019 at 8:46 am

    I’ve been thinking about you all and the days ahead of you. May The Lord bless you with His peace and Love as He surrounds you with His mighty angels. He’s always there for you. I don’t believe I’ll be there today as I’m recovering from an operation. Dear Melissa, and all, I send my love and hugs to you.. Ruth Foster



  23. Lilburne Quinn Laidlaw on April 3, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    Our core LHS group has been so fortunate to have been together since day one after high school. After leaving Kansas to Montana that group has given me family love and a place to come back every year. Gary was a central figure in that and always had those big hugs and kisses to welcome me. And yes one of the best dancers around which is a high compliment since Leavenworth kids loved to dance. Losing Gary will leave a big hole in our hearts but so many happy memories of him will never escape us. My love to you Janice and to your family



  24. Geri Moore (Stagg) on April 3, 2019 at 6:16 pm

    I am so very sorry for your loss. Gary was such a great man and was there to help me and my ex-husband Kelly Knight when he became Kelly’s Jayhawk parent while playing basketball at Kansas University. He And his family were an instrumental part of our lives. They were always welcoming, funny, happy and a caring family. He was one of a kind and he will be missed. My love and prayers to Janice and the family. Geri (Stagg) Moore



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