Thomas Michael Potts, age 71, of Defiance, passed away Monday morning, November 25, 2013 at the Defiance Area Inpatient Hospice. A Realtor and Auctioneer, Tom had been a co-owner of Century 21 Strait Realty, Inc. in Defiance, and also Potts & Company Auctioneers of Defiance.
Tom was born in Defiance on August 12, 1942, the son of Lawrence C. and Mary (Shisler) Potts. On February 24, 1963 he married Sharon Goebel, and she survives. He was a 1960 graduate of Defiance High School, a 1962 graduate of International Business College in Ft. Wayne, Indiana and he went on to Reppert’s Auction School in 1965. Tom had also been an Auctioneer at the Defiance County Fair, where he was a lifetime supporter. He was also a member of the Northwest Ohio Board of Realtors. Tom was a member of the Independence United Methodist Church, and was also a member of the Defiance Elks and the Defiance F. & A.M.
Surviving besides his wife, Sharon, are three daughters; Tami VanAlstine of Maumee, Lori Fragapane of Avon, OH and Michelle Stark of Defiance. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Jason and Justin VanAlstine, Emily and Maggie Fragapane, and Dakota, Olivia and Sara Stark, and three sisters; Helen (Fred) Grisier of Stryker, Nancy (Larry) Noffsinger of Defiance and Susie (Stephen) Miller of Defiance, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, and an infant son.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. on Friday, November 29, 2013 at the Grisier Funeral Home in Archbold. A Memorial Celebration will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church in Defiance, with Pastor Laura Clark, officiating. Private interment will be in Riverview Memory Gardens. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be given to Independence United Methodist Church, the Defiance County Fair Endowment, or Defiance County Heart Association. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.grisierfh.com. Grisier Funeral Home in Archbold has been entrusted with arrangements.