Roll Call Tribute

Robert Hester "Bob" Potter, DVM 

September 5, 1939 - October 13, 2023 

Doc Potter was born on September 5, 1939 in Columbus, Texas to Edith (Hester) and Bob Potter. He was raised on the John Robert Hester place south of Columbus. He grew up on the family cattle ranch helping his father and learning to appreciate the rural lifestyle.

He graduated from Columbus High School in 1957. He then married the love of his life, Kay Schobel. He attended Texas A&M College and earned a degree in entomology in 1962. His love of horses and animals led him to continue his education in veterinary medicine, graduating in January 1964. After receiving his degree, he and Kay returned to Columbus to raise their family of four children, Mark, Les, Cindy and Matt.

Doc practiced veterinary medicine for 50 years. During that time he met so many people and served all areas of Colorado County, including Weimar, Eagle Lake and Garwood. He was dedicated to helping the FFA students of Rice Consolidated with their animal projects for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. He was also actively involved in the 4-H program in Columbus, helping his own children and others learn about horses and sportsmanship. In addition he was involved as a member of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and a lifetime member of the San Antonio Livestock Show and Rodeo.

His Catholic faith was important in his life and was a member of the Knights of Columbus in the St. Roch’s parish.

He enjoyed outdoors and hunting with friends and his children. He made many trips to West Texas, Colorado, Wyoming and Canada. He taught his family about butchering and meat processing, sharing the old traditions and recipes. He also enjoyed blacksmithing and gardening. He dearly loved his “livestock” aka his cat companions.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Kay Potter, three sons Mark Potter of Columbus, Les Potter of Houston and Matt Potter (wife Christine) of College Station, one daughter Cindy Cash (husband Frank) of Columbus. He has three grandchildren, Robert Potter of Dallas, Jared Potter (wife Jess) of Columbus, and Kristina Payne (husband John) of The Woodlands, great grandchildren Jackson and Kinsley Payne. He is also survived by one brother Doug Potter (wife Martha) of Columbus. He is preceded in death by his parents Bob and Edith Potter, and brothers Jeff Potter and Bruce Potter.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at Columbus Community Hospital and Ascension Seton Hospital in Kyle for their compassionate care and service.

Chaplet of Divine Mercy and Holy Mass will be Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at St. Anthony Catholic Church in Columbus, Texas at 10:00 AM with Father James Dvorak officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM to 10:00AM Wednesday at church. Burial to follow at St. Anthony Catholic Cemetery, Columbus, Texas.