Stephen Potter lost a private, courageous battle with cancer on January 23,2025. He
remained strong, optimistic, and stubborn until the very end where he passed peacefully in
his home surrounded by those he cherished.
Steve was born on August 1, 1954, in Pikeville, Kentucky to Kenneth Potter and Leona Fields. He moved to Mansfield as a young boy where he attended Carpenter, Simpson, and
graduated from Mansfield Senior High in 1972. It was in high school that he fell in love with Pamela Karkalik and had two daughters. Although their marriage did not last, they always loved each other deeply.
He was employed by Conrail where he traveled the railways fixing track. After taking early retirement from the railroad, he spent years at Hi-Point Firearms until retirement. Because Steve could not sit around, he started working a few hours a day at Hoover Instrument where he showed up every morning until his body no longer allowed him. His strong work ethic was evident to everyone who knew him.
Steve was given the nickname “Pee-Wee” as a young boy. He eventually outgrew all his
brothers, but the name stuck. Many people did not even know his real name. Steve had a
few passions; softball, billiards, and Ohio sports teams. He spent decades playing on
numerous softball teams at Cyclops and Wayside where he could be found at second base
or yelling at the umpires. In his teens, he picked up billiards with his brothers, probably
while skipping school, and played on many leagues over the years. The Potter men were
quite known for their great talent. Year after year he traveled to Nationals to compete with
his teams. His fall weekends always started oZ happily cheering for the Buckeyes and
ending complaining about the Browns. Throughout his years, he made lifelong friends
through these that meant everything to him.
Steve’s greatest joy came from his three grandchildren. He was at every soccer game, track
meet, cross-country race, and swim meet that they participated in. He was proud of
everything they accomplished and shared their achievements with all his friends. Grandpa
Steve was his favorite title.
Steve is survived by his two daughters, Amy Potter and Allison (John) Weeks grandchildren,
Drew, Lilian, and Max, sisters Diana Geary and Gail Potter, brother JeZ Potter, sister-in-law
Charlene, special nieces Michelle and Hayley, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews,
and great nieces and nephews that he cherished.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Leona, brothers Frank and Larry, and nephew Brandon.
Steve will be missed beyond words but did not want those who loved him to mourn. So,
honoring his wishes, a Celebration of Life will take place at Buckeye Billiards at a future
date.
Funeral Home: Ohio Cremation & Memorial Society
Website: www.ohiocremation.org