Franklin Aaron Potter

Franklin A. Potter, 76, of Great Falls, Montana, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on January 16, 2018, after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. A memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m., February 3, 2018 at the West Side United Methodist Church, 726 Central Avenue West. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the West Side United Methodist Church. Arrangements are in the care of O’Connor Funeral Home. Frank was born in Lewistown, Montana to David and Irene Potter on February 9, 1941. He graduated from Winnett High School in 1958 and married his high school sweetheart, Joellen Trump, in January of 1960. Together they had three sons, David, Raymond and Daniel. In 1962, Frank took a job at the Anaconda Company Copper Smelter, which he kept until they went on strike in 1967. In 1968 he was hired by the Great Falls Fire Department as a rookie fireman and after a long and honorable career, retired as Captain in 1996. After retirement, Frank and Joey upgraded their motor home and visited all fifty states and Canada. They also ventured overseas several times, visiting Europe, Australia, New Zealand and the Holy Lands. Frank loved hunting, fishing, camping and Sunday afternoon drives. He loved to cook a good Sunday morning breakfast for company and made perfect fried eggs and hotcakes. The annual Seeley Lake camping trip was something he looked forward to because it was a family reunion of sorts and there was nothing Frank and Joey loved more than being surrounded by family. Frank and Joey also enjoyed gardening and always shared the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor with family, friends and neighbors. Along with countless other talents, he was a master craftsman; his woodshop was his second home. Frank always went out of his way to help whomever he could. He was a man full of integrity; his handshake was as good as his word. He will be remembered most for his generosity, kindness and dedication to his family and friends. The world and everyone who knew and loved Frank are better because of him. Even though he will be missed dearly, we know he is in Heaven, healthy and strong, cheering us on. We love you, Papa Frank. This is not a goodbye but a 'see you soon'. He is survived by his best friend and wife of 58 years, Joellen “Joey”; son David (Roberta), Raymond (Tammy), Daniel (Kelly); 21 grandchildren including spouses; and 18 great grandchildren with two more on the way - all who were the apple of his eye. He was preceded in death by his parents David and Irene Potter; sisters Ida Marie and Alice; brother Fred; and Joellen’s parents Elliott and Edna Trump.