Perry Lynn Potter

Perry Lynn Potter, 69, of Manhattan, formerly of Marysville, passed away Wednesday, September 28th, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan. Perry was born in Paola, on October 13, 1946, to Perry Leon and Shirley Beatrice (Trickett) Potter. The family moved to Haven, Kansas where he attended and graduated from Haven High School, going on to earn a Bachelors Degree in Music from Southwestern College in Winfield. In 1966, Perry entered the US Army where he served honorably during the Vietnam War, with his last duty being in the Military Band at Ft. Riley, 24th Infantry Division until his discharge in 1969. Perry graduated from Kansas State University with a Masters degree in Music. He was united in marriage to Margaret 'Toby' L. Black, and she preceded him in death in 2015. He was a dedicated Music Director for USD #364, Marysville, Kansas, retiring in 2001. Perry had taught for a short time in Dighton, Kansas, substituted at USD 378, Riley and USD 323 Rock Creek; and instructed students at Glenn Music in Manhattan. While living in Marysville he was the Choir Director of Memorial Presbyterian Church. Perry was a well-known educator and musician, belonging to the NAJE (National Association of Jazz Educators); KMEA (Kansas Music Educators Association); Manhattan City Band; Kings of Swing Band; the Thundering Cats Big Band; K-State Alumni Association, and the KSU Ahearn Fund. Family was very important to Perry and Toby. They are survived by two daughters, Tawn (Scott) Rockwell, of Blue Springs, Missouri, and Jennifer Potter, of Salina; one son, Grant (Kelli) Potter, of Riley; his brother, Kerry (Patricia) Potter, of Wichita; and their grandchildren: Matthew, Nathan, David (Kayla), Charles, Steven, Katherine, and Ashlyn. His family will gather and great friends on Friday, October 7, prior to the service at the First Presbyterian Church, 801 Leavenworth St. Manhattan, where his memorial service will begin at 10:00 am. Perry will be laid to rest in Sunrise Cemetery following the service. Irvin-Parkview Funeral Home & Cremation is serving the Potter family. Memorials may be made to the Good Shepherd Home Care and Hospice, 3801 Vanesta Dr. Manhattan or to the funeral home. Please sign Perry's online guest book and leave a memory of him at www.irvinparkview.com.