Harold "Clyde" Potter

Harold “Clyde” Potter, age 83, of Hanover, IL passed away surrounded by his family on January 15th, 2024 at home. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on January 20th, 2024 at Hanover United Methodist Church. Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm on January 19th, 2024 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Hanover, IL, as well as one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at the Log Church Cemetery. Friends and family who wish to watch the livestream may do so at https://www.facebook.com/groups/794001409225130

Clyde was born on May 9th, 1940, the son of Robert “Chrissy” Harold and Geraldine Helen (McDowell) Potter, in Savanna, IL. He grew up on the Potter family farm with his many siblings and later continued to farm with his father-in-law, son, and grandsons. He completed 8th grade in Hanover, then worked on the family farm with his dad. Clyde worked at The Elizabeth Garage and owned a gas station in Hanover. Eventually, he led a career as a mechanic for 51 years in Stockton, IL for a company that produced car parts. He took great pride in his career and eventually decided to retire and spend time with his family. His mechanic and “fix-it” abilities extended past his career into maintaining equipment used on the family farm. Clyde married Yerda Jane (McIntyre) Potter on September 9th, 1961 and they raised their two children, Darcy and Jeff, with the same family value of hard work with some time for fun.

With an infectious laugh and quick wits, Clyde was the center of joy during many holidays, surprise birthday parties, pig roasts, and many other events. He was often seen doing the worm at weddings with anyone who would join him. He was dedicated to his family, friends, and community with a helping hand for anyone in need. If someone had a problem or question, Clyde had an answer or solution. He enjoyed his various motorcycles and ATVs, with stops along the way made to many family and friends. Family and friends often could expect him showing up to chat before he would move on to his next destination. He would take his family for rides, which were always enjoyed and full of laughter. He also was an avid trapshooter and rode snowmobiles for many years. Later on, he would enjoy visits to the local gun shop and daily trips to the body shop.

Clyde was fully dedicated to his family and always kept track of everyone, even from a distance. Everyone was always met with, “What have you been doing?” When his children were younger, he would make popcorn and they would watch cartoons on Sunday afternoons. He taught his grandsons how to hunt and farm, while telling stories of family and life to his granddaughter. Clyde brought comfort, safety, and sometimes a quick laugh during any difficult moment in life. He taught everyone around him what matters most in life and he reminded you if you ever forgot. Clyde is dearly missed and cherished by his family, friends, and many other loved ones.

Clyde is preceded in death by his wife, Yerda; grandson, Wyatt Potter; parents, Robert and Helen Potter; siblings, Theresa Anne (Thomas) Oates, Charles “Chuck” (Joyce) Potter, Jane Crimmins, Mary Helmich, Ila (Jim) Buske, and Jack Potter; parents-in-law, Jack and Nadine McIntyre; one niece and four nephews. He now shares peace, joy, and laughter with each and every one of them.

Clyde is survived by his children, Darcy (Matt) Wild of Hanover, IL, and Jeffrey (Brenda) Potter of Hanover, IL; grandchildren, Cassidy (Dylan Leeser) Potter and Carter (Stephanie Tressel) Wild; sister, Sue (Mark) Cooper; sister-in-law, Peggy (Richard) Morse, beloved cat, Sylvester; many nieces and nephews; many cousins and friends; and many other loved ones.