Kenneth Potts

Kenneth Lee Potts of Climax, Michigan passed away on March 3rd, 2021. Ken was born on December 25, 1956 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He was the son of the late James Earl Potts and Ada (Adele) Clayborn. Ken was raised on Flat Top Mountain in Bledsoe County, Tennessee. Ken served in the US Navy for 22 years and retired in 1997. Early in his Navy career he served aboard the USS Pharris, then at various bases on mainland USA. In 1988 he was transferred to the Naval base in Battle Creek, Michigan. At the Navy Ball in 1990, he met his future wife, Ann Niedzielski, and swept her off her feet. They were married on April 1, 1992 and settled in Climax, Michigan. After his retirement from the Navy, Ken worked for 19 years as a Job Placement Officer for Pine Lake Fund at the Michigan Career and Technical Institute. Ken was devoted to his students and worked hard to ensure their success by preparing them with the necessary job and life skills. Ken is survived by his wife, Ann Niedzielski. His daughters; Brandy (Robert) Sims, Andy (Michael, jr.) Gibbs, and Bobbie (James) Carney. His grandchildren; Kadie (Danny) Brown, Nickole and Darius Eustice, Michael III and Kenlee Gibbs, and Brandon and Gabrielle Carney. His great grandchildren: Karachi Carney, Elijah and Esther Brown. His siblings; Yvonne (Vernie) Steedley, Anthony (Denyce) Potts, Terri (Jim) Agnew, Ellen (John Henry) Breland and Rusty (Margie) Clark, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held this summer. Donations can be made to the Kalamazoo Humane Society.