Richard Potts

Racing legend Dick Potts, of Morocco, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2014 at St. Elizabeth East Hospital in Lafayette. It is finally revealed that Dick was 76 years old, as it was a running joke that Dick would not tell his age.

Richard R. “Dick” Potts was born in Goodland on November 3, 1937, the son of the late Raymond Potts and Artis (Camblin) Potts. He attended school in Morocco and was a lifelong resident of Newton County. Dick served his country for three years in the U.S. Air Force. He was a Son of the American Legion, a member of American Legion Post #29 of Rensselaer and a member of the Loyal Order of Moose.

Dick started racing in 1960, and #92 had 521 feature wins in his 51 years of racing. He raced at dirt tracks all over the area, as well traveling the country with racing circuits. He was the winningest driver at the Rensselaer Raceway. During his career he had 23 Track Championships, 33 Runner-up Championships, was 7-time Northern Indiana Clay Track Champion, 7-time Illiana Clay Track Champion, and 2-time Eastern Illinois Clay Track Champion. Dick was inducted into the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame in 2006.

In addition to racing, Dick also owned and operated his own salvage yard, Dick Potts Auto Parts, outside of Morocco since the early 1960’s.

On September 16, 1997, in Morocco, Dick married Tressie Love Toler, and she survives. He is also survived by nine children: Rick (Connie) Potts, Linda Potts, Dickie Potts, Cathy (Mike) Pruitt, Kris Potts, and Peggy (Bob) Rusher, all of Indiana; and Ilene (George) Winder, Sarah (Kenny) Sprouse, and Cindy (Jay) Price, all of Virginia. 20+ grandchildren, 20+ great-grandchildren, five brothers and one sister also survive. He was preceded in death by: his parents; one sister, Millie; one daughter, Barbara Jean; and one grandson, Ryan.

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, January 26, 2014 from 2-7:30 p.m. (CST) at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer on Sunday, January 26, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. with Rev. Royal Voeller officiating. Per Dick’s wishes, cremation will take place. Private family services and interment at Russell Chapel Cemetery will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Dick’s name to the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame. Memorial Donations may be made online by clicking on the "Place a Donation" tab on the left side of this page. Memorials may also be mailed to: National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame, 3811 Berryleaf Court, Riverside, OH 45424. Inquiries about the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame may be directed to: Bob Markos (219)763-3243.

Steinke Funeral Home of Rensselaer is handling the arrangements. Phone: (219)866-5151. Share memories and condolences online at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.