Austin Duane Potter, 86, passed away in his home surrounded by his loving family on February 27, 2021.

Austin was born to James and Thelma (Kilgore) Potter on March 9, 1934. He spent his childhood carrying water jugs to the thrashers during harvest, riding his horse, Topsy, across the pasture as he pretended to be the Lone Ranger, and attending the one-room school near the Round Prairie Church. He and his sister, Roberta, later transferred to #60 School, often using a horse and cart as transportation.

When Austin was in sixth grade, he transferred to the Potter School. It was there that he met his future wife, LaVerne Kruse. They soon discovered that they shared birthdays. LaVerne began wearing Austin's class ring on a chain when Austin was a junior and LaVerne was a sophomore. During that time, both Austin and LaVerne played basketball for Potter High School, and they went out on dates at Homer's Drive-In in Leavenworth or Moody Burgers in Atchison.

Austin and LaVerne married on October 24, 1953. Austin built a home for his bride using lumber from the trees that he cut down from the family's pasture. The house was next door to Austin's parents and would be where the couple lived out their lives.

Austin didn't take time for any hobbies. He occasionally enjoyed watching college basketball on T.V., going on trips with LaVerne to Branson or to Arkansas to see his mom's extended family. In reality, his entire life's focus revolved around three things: his family, the farm, and the church.

Austin and LaVerne found it necessary to add to their tiny two-bedroom home as their family grew. They had four children between 1955 and 1959: Barbara, Brenda, Brian, and Beverly. Belinda came along in 1971.

The busy family spent decades attending Easton School District and 4-H events. As the kids became adults and had families of their own, Austin and LaVerne loved going to and hosting extended family gatherings like the Potter Family Christmas Pitch tournament.

Austin put his heart and soul into the farm. First, he worked with his father, who purchased a section of the property in 1925. After Austin's father passed, his son, Brian, became his partner in the family business. The farm and their herd of Polled Hereford cattle expanded over the decades.

Austin was a quiet, hard-working man. He took his job of being a steward of the land seriously. He was one of the first in the community to establish conservation techniques, and his goal was to improve every piece of ground that he farmed.

Austin and LaVerne were also faithful members of St. John Lutheran Church in Easton. Austin held many leadership positions within the church and assisted with maintaining the buildings and property.

Austin's health declined after the death of LaVerne in 2015. Before her death, he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. The disease and years of hard, physical labor eventually led to a decrease in mobility. His family cared for him in his home on the family farm until his death.

Austin was preceded in death by his parents; LaVerne; his sister, Roberta; and his daughter, Bev.

Survivors include Barb Askins (Mike Hall) of Topeka; Bren (Ken) Taylor of Emporia; Brian (Renee) of Easton; Bill Matney of Berryton; Lin (Chris) McLeod of Shawnee. Grandchildren include Amy Schwinn, Jeff Potter, Kelly Mailen, Rachel Boucher, Jennifer Baugh, Alexandria Matney, Jonas McLeod, Grace McLeod, Hannah McLeod, and Tina Monosmith. Austin had 15 great-grandchildren.

The family suggests that memorial contributions go to Leavenworth Meals on Wheels or St. John Lutheran Church.

The visitation will be held at Davis Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 2, from 5 to 7 p.m. Masks are required. The funeral service will be private.