John Stephen Potts II of Kansas City, MO, formerly of St. Joseph, MO, passed away Wednesday, April 24, 2024. He was born April 9,1939 in Hannibal, MO, son of the late Rosemary and Steve Potts. He graduated from Central High School, attended Kirksville State Teacher’s College, and soon after married his high school sweetheart Deanna Kay Mules on May 20,1961.
John worked at Hatfield’s soda shop as a teenager, then went on to work at the St. Joseph Stockyards. He made a career as an over-the-road truck driver for thirty-two years at multiple national trucking companies-Crouch Brother's, ONC, Ryder, and PIE. John proudly served as a union steward, representing the rights of Teamster Local 41 truck drivers.
John was preceded in death by his loving parents, Steve and Rosemary, his big brother, R.E., his twin sister, Julia Rosenberg, and J.L. his beloved son. Survivors include: his cherished wife Deanna of the home, son, John S Potts III and wife Jennifer; daughters, Dana C Armstrong and husband Art, and Michelle A Potts; and youngest son, Mark J Potts and wife Kim; and daughter-in-law Donna. He will be missed by his many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was an active father and grandfather throughout his life-his most treasured moments were times spent with any of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved playing games with the kids at any age: Checkers, Old Maid, Monopoly, Rook, dice, trick-or-treating, swimming, walking, golfing. John was known for his deep and contagious laughter. He would smile and rub his hands together slyly in playful competition.
John always arranged to spend time with his brother R.E. In their final years, they lived 5 minutes from each other and spoke daily by phone. They were known to travel back to their hometown Hannibal for an afternoon road trip-two farm brothers with the truck windows rolled down. As children, they shared a bedroom in their small farmhouse. They also shared football teams in high school and college. John and his twin sister Judy looked out for each other and enjoyed the same circle of friends, many of whom remained lifelong friends.
John’s most important and enduring relationship was with his wife Deanna. Their love built a strong home and family, and their focus and commitment to one another never faltered. A marriage that spans 63 years is rare-their relationship inspired family and friends. They supported and loved one another through times of adversity, and they reveled in endless days spent in joyful and comfortable companionship with one another. Their yards and gardens were beautifully landscaped-a labor of love they shared together. They planned their days around shared interests and the comfort of lifetime companionship.
John was a faithful parishioner at Cathedral in St. Joseph and Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City. Together John and Deanna contributed to their Catholic community and demonstrated the Christian tenets of love, faith, and compassion.
He was known by many as Big John because he was 6 feet 5 inches tall. But in truth, his life was BIG in every measurable way that’s important. Big John will be missed terribly by family and friends.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Mary 14, 2024 at the Cathedral of St. Joseph, St. Joseph, MO. Father Mike Roach Celebrant. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Rupp Funeral Home. The Rosary will be recited at 6:30 pm Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Rupp Funeral Home The Inurnment will be at the Mount Olivet Cemetery.
