(Ernest) Elliott Potter, Carthage, MO, passed on June 14, 2023 at his home, with loved ones at his side. Elliott was born in Carthage in 1929, on Maple St., to Minford Everett Potter and Mary Elizabeth Elliott Potter.
He went to Rosa Paula Kindergarten along with Jacqueline Riley, whom he would meet again years later. Elliott rode his bike daily to Mark Twain school, where he made many lifelong friends. He later earned the rank of Eagle Scout, was active in ROTC and graduated from Carthage High School in the class of 1947. In the summers, he worked on his grandfather’s farm and as a draftsman for Carthage Marble Corporation.
He studied Industrial Administration and Architecture at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), and was assigned watercolor painting, sparking an early interest. By chance, he met Jacqueline again, they fell in love, and were married at the age of 21–beginning a life together that would last for 72 years.
Having continued in ROTC in college, Elliott then trained at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and was stationed in Chicago before shipping out to fight in Korea. There he served as a 1st lieutenant and battery commander in the anti-aircraft artillery, returning home to Carthage in 1954, with two bronze stars.
Elliott and Jacqui’s son, Jamey, was born in 1955, and their daughter, Lisa, in 1958. Along with Jacqui, Elliott loved fishing, floating and exploring the streams, rivers and lakes of the Ozarks. Their love of nature and wildlife was instilled in their children and future generations of the family.
Elliott’s early work at Carthage Marble was focused in the area of product development. He and Jacqui worked on many advertising projects together during his long tenure, and Elliott ultimately became Vice President of the company. He was also active in creating the Carthage Underground Storage, and later took on leadership roles at M.P. Construction and Central Woodworking, and in numerous business organizations.
Elliott was an avid reader, and a lifelong painter and student of art, architecture and design, apparent to all who visited their home. Over the years he served in many community roles. He was a long-standing member of Kiwanis Club, and was proud to serve area children each summer at Kiddieland.
He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Jamey. He is survived by his wife Jacqueline and daughter Lisa Potter Thomas (Matthew), daughter-in-law Darlene Potter, grandchildren Paul Thomas (Heather), Julian Potter (Vinaya), Anna Thomas (Isaac), Claire Potter and great-grandchildren Iliana Thomas and Olin Thomas, all scattered from coast to coast.
Elliott was glad to have family coming from afar, surrounding him with love, in his final weeks and days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on July 12th, 2023, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, at the Venue @ 52nd St., 951 W. 52nd St., just south of Carthage, MO 64836. Remarks and music will begin at 5:30. Food will be provided by Club 1201. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charitable organization of your choosing.
Directions from Carthage: Travel south on Hwy 49 and take the Cedar Rd exit, turning right (west) on Cedar Rd (52nd St). Within a quarter mile you will see the tall Venue sign on your right. Take the lane beneath the sign to the event center.
