Fort Benton —Eugene Clifford Potts, 77, died of natural causes Wednesday, May 8. Services are 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the home place.
Gene was born April 29, 1936, to Clyde and Mildred Potts in Lewistown. He attended school in Stanford until 1950. He completed his education at Boys Town, Neb., in 1954. He then joined the U.S. Army and became a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne. He told of his experience of jumping during a hurricane in Panama. Later, he was stationed in Germany.
Gene worked as a ranch hand in several Montana locations. On Christmas Day of 1971, he married Mary Weber at the Harris Ranch house. They were married for 41 years. They raised Mary's five children: Reuben, Nathan, Chris, Noah and Mary. They also had a son together, Aca David. Aca predeceased Gene. They adopted a daughter, Rosa. Rosa is serving in the U.S. Navy at this time.
Gene is survived by his wife, Mary; three siblings, Catherine of San Diego, Clyde of Great Falls and Evelyn of Fort Shaw. He is also survived by numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as 12 nieces and nephews; several in-laws; cousins and many friends.
Gene was an old-time cowboy who enjoyed riding and taking care of his horses, as well as playing cards with family and friends at home and at the Senior Center in Fort Benton. He will be missed mightily.
