Robert Gene Potter

Beloved husband, father, stepfather, father-in-law, brother, grandfather, and friend to all that met him, Robert Gene Potter passed away peacefully on October 26, 2025 at the age of 86, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his sons Robert Brian Potter (Lisa) and Timothy Moore Potter (Jennifer), and his stepson Grant Lindsay Washburn Sr. (Therese). He is also survived by his brother Thomas Benjamin Potter Jr. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy Findlay Potter, his adored son Michael Davidson Potter, and his cherished stepdaughter Kendra Cole Bradley. Bob is survived by his six grandchildren; Nicole Alise Potter, Catherine Jane Potter, Robert Michael Potter, Caroline Marie Potter, Courtney Davidson Potter, and Andrew Michael Potter. He is also survived by his five step-grandchildren, Grant Lindsay Washburn Jr., Donovan Earl Washburn, Hope Emmanuelle Washburn, Skye Angeline Washburn, and Kate Bradley Sweet. Bob was born on April 16, 1939 in Terre Haute, IN to Thomas Benjamin Potter and Violet King Potter. His family moved several times in his youth, from Bethesda, MD to Stamford, CN, and then to Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada where he graduated from high school in 1957. Bob graduated from Purdue University, where he was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity, with a Bachelor of Science in 1961 and from Indiana University in 1962 with an MBA. He also later graduated from the Executive Program at the University of California, Berkeley. He graduated from the U.S. Navy Officer Candidate School program in 1962 with his commission as an Ensign. He then served on the destroyer USS Gearing (DD 710) for three years as weapons officer, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade, and one year as director of nuclear weapons advancement exams at the US Naval Examination Center. Bob then joined Monsanto Co. in 1966 as a sales trainee. He quickly advanced, holding many managerial positions, in Cleveland, OH, St. Louis, MO, Cincinnati, OH, and then returned back to Monsanto headquarters in St. Louis as a divisional General Manager. He continued to advance to Corporate Executive Vice President of Monsanto Company, and then to President of the chemical company. This was later spun off as a free-standing company named Solutia, where Bob served as Chairman and CEO until his retirement in December of 1999. He served on the board of directors of Arch Coal Inc., Stepan Company, Cray Research Inc., Solutia Inc. and Southland Inc., as well as The National Association of Manufacturers, and later became a partner of the EFR Group of private equity companies. He also served on the board of directors of numerous charitable and civic causes, including the St. Louis Area Council for the Boy Scouts of America and Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Although Bob had a tremendously successful career, he will be remembered even more so for his kindness, sense of humor, and razor-sharp wit. He was a devoted Father and Grandfather who loved to spend time with his family, and looked forward to weekly Sunday night dinners with loved ones. The rock of our family, he was always there for his wife, children, stepchildren, and grandchildren, and could often be found at one of his grandkids’ games, school activities, or recitals. He also loved to play golf and tennis, in St. Louis at Bellerive Country Club, and in Bonita Springs, FL at Bonita Bay Country Club. Bob was an extremely generous man, supporting Bonhomme Presbyterian Church in St. Louis, and First Presbyterian Church of Bonita Springs. He also had close ties with St. Louis Priory, as well as the monastic community at St. Louis Abbey. Bob was a devoted Christian, and strongly believed that his Savior has and will watch over him and his family. His family would like to thank all of the amazing care givers who helped Bob, and his late wife Nancy, at the end of their lives, particularly Katie Page, Nicki Swift, and Elizabeth Verharst. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and friends, who love him dearly. May he rest in peace. Services: A private graveside service will be held on Sunday, November 9. Following the service, all are welcome to join us for a Celebration of Life at 2:00pm at Old Warson Country Club. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Michael Davidson Potter Scholarship Fund at St. Louis Priory School, or The Wounded Warrior Project.

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Robert Gene Potter

April 16, 1939 - October 26, 2025