Oral Potts

Oral Joe Potts Ojai, CA Oral Joe Potts was born in Fair Play, MO, on November 16, 1917: died in Ojai, CA, on November 28, 2011. Joe moved to Ojai as a 10 year old in May, 1928, his father having accepted employment as the agricultural specialist at Thacher School, where Joe and his sister, Marcella, were raised. He enrolled at San Antonio Elementary School later that year, then went to Nordhoff High school,graduating from there in 1935. After graduation, he worked at Bank of America, later resigning to perform war-related employment at Camp Cooke (now Vandenburg Air Force Base) for the Corps of Engineers. A few years later he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving at Fort Belvoir, VA. Following the stint in the military, Joe worked at the Post Office in Ojai, eventually serving as Acting Postmaster, 1960 - 1962, then resigning that position to accept employment at Smith-Hobson Ranches, retiring from there in 1982. The Smith family treated Joe, his wife (Winona, deceased in January 2011), and their daughter (Mary Alice) with warmth, kindness, and generosity. In addition to the pleasure he received from his own family, Joe derived emotional and spiritual fulfillment from his affiliation with the Ojai Valley Wesleyan Church, and in particular from his association with Pastor Lyn Thomas and the congregation in general. He and Winona enjoyed their travels in the states; he also said one of his favorite trips was in 1989 when he and Winona traveled to Germany and Austria with their daughter and son-in-law, Don Heidt. Joe's living relatives include three nieces and their families, and several cousins and their families, all living in Ventura County. In addition, he has two nephews and their families living in Oklahoma. Finally Joe has a brother-in-law living in Niland, California. Those who knew Joe remember him fondly as an upbeat, cheerful person who shared his time and energy with those in need. Joe's family wishes to express thanks to those who provided care and comfort to him during his own time of need: Dr. Fauvre and his staff, the physicians and staff at the Ojai Valley Community Hospital; the staff at Mountain Vista Manor, with special thanks to Nickie and Sabino Perez and their family; and finally to the Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to HELP of Ojai, 111 W. Santa Ana St. Ojai, CA 93023; or to Ojai Valley Wesleyan Church, 105 E. Topa Topa, Ojai, CA 93023. Service will be held on a later date. Assisting the family with funeral arrangements is Ojai Valley Funeral Services. 805-640-3600