Howard E. Pottenger
Howard Eugene Pottenger, 89 of Tipton died at 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 at his residence. He was born in Wabash on January 27, 1930 to Howard A. & Martha (Rife) Pottenger. Howard and Janice Kline were married on October 10, 1953 and they celebrated 66 years of marriage.
Howard served as the General Manager at Tipton Telephone Company for 23 years, retiring in 1996. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and an Elder at the church. He belonged to the Tipton Elks #1012 where he was Elk of the Year for 1998-99; American Legion and the Moose Lodge. Howard was a graduate of Linlawn High School in Wabash County, Class of 1948 and attended several technical schools pertaining to the telephone industry. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Indiana Telephone Association.
Howard served as the former President of the Tipton County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Fairview Cemetery Board for many years. He enjoyed gardening, golfing, bowling and family get-togethers and outings. Howard served in the U.S. Navy from 1948-52 during the Korean War.
Survivors include his wife Jan; four children, Michael P. Pottenger, Noblesville, Stanley Pottenger and wife Kim, Cicero, Jean Ann Bray and husband Paul, Pride, Louisiana, and Julie Pottenger and husband Dick Grishaw, Tipton; one sister, Norma Wingert and husband Wesley, North Manchester, Indiana; seven grandchildren, Michael C. Pottenger, Rachel Pottenger, Sarah Rees, Mary Pottenger, Cecilee Henderson, Mitchell Bray and Kelsey Johnson.
Howard is also survived by 14 great-grandchildren, Lexus Ford, Saeli Ford, Audrey Rees, Riley Rees, Kyle Pottenger, Tanner Pottenger, Carson Pottenger, Lexi Bray, Ethan Bray, Noah Walker, Luke Walker, Hope Walker, Hannah Henderson and Olivia Henderson; one great-great-grandchild, Ginny Leigh Morrow.
Funeral services for Howard will be at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 30 at the First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, with Pastor Phil Votaw presiding. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be on Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Young-Nichols Funeral Home and on Monday from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at the church.
Memorial donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Jefferson Street, Tipton, Indiana, 46072.
Thoughts with each of you. He was a fine gentleman…full of character, wit, sincerity and laughter. What great memories I have of you all wonderful neighbors next to Grandma Graff.
My Deepest Condolences To The Family. I Have very fond Memories of partaking in Family get togethers and I will Cherish those with me Always.
Truly A Wonderful Man and Beautiful Family. Love You All. Will keep you in my Prayers. Sorry for Your Loss.
Julie and Family, I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. May you all share wonderful memories that only get better with time.
We loved Howard and will miss him. We will not be in town go the funeral, but know that our hearts are with the whole family.
To the Pottenger Family~ May the blessing of fond memories of a beloved husband, parent, grandparent bring you comfort at this sad time. I remember your Dad well from the years we grew up in the Presbyterian church. 🌸
We are so sorry to learn of Howard’s passing. Know that we are thinking of you, even though we cannot be there.
Wendell and Sue
My family grew up living next to the Pottengers and it was a Great Life. Howard walked to and from the phone company every day and you could set your watch by him. The whole family were Great neighbors especially Howard who was always doing home repairs. A pillar of the Community and will be missed not only by family but also by friends.
So sorry for your families loss.Asking God to be with each of you .asking for strength and courage to accept any challenges that may come your way. Amen love and peace in Christ
Julie and family my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Much love.
I am sorry for your loss.
Our condolences to this whole family, some of our first friends when we moved to Tipton in the early 80s. Just wonderful people.
Jan and family, Please accept our condolences . You are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, the Stacy/Head family.
Rachel, I am so sorry for this tough loss for your family at this time of the year. It’s tough any time, but holidays…. I remember how close your family is through the stories you shared with me; please know, I miss your face big time! If possible, can you msg txt, email, FB me so we can reconnect please??
Jean Ann, So Sorry for your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you and your family at this time.
What a wonderful man. My condolences to my dear friend Julie and the entire family.
Jan & Family; Please accept my most sincere condolences. Not only have you lost a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather the community has lost one of its most upstanding members. Memories of the good times with him will be with everyone for a long time! My apologies for not attending services due to being out of town, but please know that my thoughts and payers are with you and your family at this time.
My deepest sympathy to the family. Such a great guy. Prayers and know his peace.
So many god memories with Howard. He was a great man. Our prayers are with you .. Lester and Marcia
We have such wonderful memories of Howard and Janice as neighbors on N. West Street. My parents’ dog, Hans, owes his last few years of life to their wonderful care after a terrible accident. That’s the kind of people they are; salt of the earth. Howard will be missed.
When I was a member of the Fry family I grew to know and love Howard and Jan like my own family. God Bless and Comfort all the Pottengers. Loved Howard..he was a super wonderful man. Love..hugs to Jan and all. Fairenda