Johnny Eugene Potter

Johnny Eugene Potter, better known as “Gene,” passed away on October 5, 2024, at his home in Rupert.     Gene was born September 8, 1937, at 1024 E. Street in Rupert, Idaho.  Gene was the youngest son born to Adelbert LeRoy and Eva Hugentobler Potter.  He grew up in Rupert at the home where he was born. He learned to work and play while making lifelong friends. Gene attended schools in Rupert and was among the first graduating students from Minico High School.   Gene started work for O. K. Rubber Welders at the age of 15.  After 40 years working in the tire industry, he took employment with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for the next 11 years before retirement.

Gene's love story began when he married Beverly June Kidd in Burley on February 20, 1959, his father’s birthday. Their union was solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple, and for 65 years, they journeyed through life as a devoted, loving couple.

Gene and June were blessed with two children, Eugene Bryan and Cheryl Lyn. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served faithfully in many callings. Gene was an avid hunter in his younger years and loved to fish.  He spent many hours with his boat water skiing and teaching others.  Forty years of snowmobiling was added to his interests. Later, he was riding his A.T.V.  with family and friends. Gene's love for adventure was evident in his travels and his favorite trips were the summers spent in Alaska. He was a quiet man, but his gratitude and love for his family and friends ran deep. He enjoyed watching his great-grandchildren play in the backyard and would join in with a tapping foot to jamborees on his deck. His favorite song, which he sometimes requested to be played multiple times, was “Walk the Line” by Johnny Cash.

Gene is survived by his wife June, son Bryan, grandson Samuel Eugene Cornett of Sandpoint, Idaho, and his precious great-grandchildren Addison and Savannah. He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Eva Potter, his daughter, Cheryl Lyn Potter Cornett, and his brother, Adelbert LeRoy Potter.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to Hospice Visions, Nydia, Erika, Sheri, Jacque, Alexes, Lonny, Steve, Don, Drs. Boehmer, Preucil, and Muir for their tender and kind care of Gene in his final days. A special thank you to his good friends Alton and many others who shared his love of the outdoors.

Gene requested donations to the Rupert Senior Citizens Center or the Historic Wilson Theater in Rupert, Idaho, instead of flowers.

A graveside service will be held at 11:am on Friday, October 11th, 2024, at the Rupert Cemetery, with Bishop Brody Buck officiating. Arrangements are  under the direction of Joel Heward Hansen Mortuary.

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