Thomas Dale Potter, age 76, of WaKeeney, Kansas passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born on October 23, 1948, in Lexington, Nebraska to Warren and Elsie (Tietz) Potter. He married Deborah Ann (McGinnis) on February 22, 1971, in Santa Ana, California. She preceded him in death on May 17, 2021, after 50 years of marriage.
Tom was a man whose hands told the story of a full and hardworking life. For over 50 years, he traveled the open roads throughout the United States as a devoted truck driver, often with his wife, children, or grandchildren riding alongside him in the passenger seat as his 'navigator.' Wherever he went, he had a gift for turning strangers into friends through his remarkable storytelling, his talent for making people laugh, and his indelible willingness to lend a helping hand to those in need.
When he wasn’t on the road, he poured that same steady dedication into the things and people he loved the most: his family, his home, and his crafts. With a patience and creativity that reflected his gentle spirit, he worked alongside his wife as an avid quilter, creating pieces that brought color and warmth to those around him.
Later in life, he found a love for diamond painting, spending his days of retirement creating dazzling works, always with the intention of gifting them to those around him. He was a man of simple joys, endless stories, and a kindness that left a mark on every person lucky enough to know him.
Thomas is survived by his daughters, Laurie Van Ingen, Bellingham, WA; Stacey Potter, Hays, KS; his siblings, Judy Sabag, AR; Michael Potter, CA; his seven grandchildren, Amy; Anna; Gerri; Amber; Jennifer; Matthew; and Justin; his three great-grandchildren, Olivia; Kaido; and Charlie.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Elsie (Tietz) Potter; wife, Deborah (McGinnis) Potter; and his daughter, Michele Potter,
Graveside Services and Inurnment will be at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, October 25, with Reverend John Anderson officiating at the WaKeeney City Cemetery in WaKeeney, Kansas.
The family suggests memorial to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays. A small gathering for family and friends will follow at the Western Cooperative Electric Association building in WaKeeney, Kansas.
Services are entrusted to Cline’s-Keithley Mortuary of Hays, 1919 East 22nd Street, Hays, Kansas 67601. Condolences can be emailed to [email protected] or left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com