Obituary – Brian E. Potter

Brian E. Potter, age 72, of rural Akron, IN, died on April 25, 2026, at his residence.

Brian Earl Potter was born on February 21, 1954, in Washington, IN, to Bert and May (Woods) Potter. He married Debra Lee Clodfelder in Odon, IN, on August 7, 1976. He was baptized in the Church of Christ.

Brian grew up in southern Indiana and graduated from Washington High School in 1972. He went on to earn a horticulture degree from Vincennes University and then graduated from Purdue University in 1977. He was a loyal Purdue fan and loved basketball.

He started his working career at age 14 and never stopped working. Whether it was doing odd jobs on the farm, trimming apple trees at Chapman’s Apple Orchard, or doing landscape jobs, he always had part-time jobs growing up.

In 1983 he moved his family to Akron, IN, and became an ag seed representative for Dekalb Seed Company.

In 1990, Brian started planting Christmas trees on the family farm and “Potters, the Family Tree” was founded and opened in 1997. It was his dream and favorite job since he loved working outside, loved talking to people and working with his family.

 In 2020 he retired from sales at Pike Lumber Company.

 Brian was a member of the Akron Lions Club and was awarded the “Melvin Jones Fellowship Award” for his years of service and loyalty to the club.

Brian is survived by his wife: Debra Potter of Akron, IN; (3) children: Laurel (Scott) Whetstone of Mentone, IN; Heather (Zac) Kelly of Akron, IN; Ashley Potter of Akron, IN; (9) grandchildren: Ben, Oliver, Isaac, Will, Tucker, Karson, Claire, Wyatt and Piper; sister: Diane Alexander of Monticello, IL.

Preceding Brian in death are his in-laws: Darrell and Sherrill Clodfelder; brother: Gordon Potter; sisters:
Janet Langford and Pauline Butler.

Visitation with the family was scheduled for Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at the Earl-Love Funeral Home, 811 E. Rochester St., Akron, IN, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m.

The memorial service was scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026, at the funeral home. Pastor Mandy Nellans was set to officiate the service with burial at a later date.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Akron Lions Club, Akron, IN. Online condolences may be sent to earllovefuneralhome.com