Philip Carlton Potts

Philip Carlton Potts, 93, passed away at his home in Mishawaka on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. He was born on February 17, 1930 in South Bend to Joseph C. Potts and Margaret (Suhl) Potts.

Phil is survived by his wife, Patricia (Fagaly) Potts; two children, Marc Potts of Elkhart, and Christopher (Sheri) Potts of South Bend; five grandchildren, Sasha Goldstein, Sarah Potts, Kelly (Jay) Quillin, Kristi (Fran) Potts, and Michael Potts; and five great-grandchildren. His daughter, Leslie Goldstein, and grandson, Adam Potts, preceded him in death.

Phil lived most of his life in South Bend. He graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1948, and from Indiana University in Bloomington in 1953. In 1953, he married the love of his life, Patricia Fagaly, in Lawrenceburg, Indiana.

During his years at Indiana University, Phil served as the President of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and the Law Club, and was a member of the Letterman’s Club. After graduation, he served two years active duty as a First Lieutenant, Special Forces, in the United States Army. Following his discharge from the Army, Phil returned to Indiana University in Bloomington to attend law school, and obtained his Juris Doctorate degree in 1959.

Phil was a talented baseball player, and was offered professional contracts by the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Athletics after high school, and by the St. Louis Cardinals after college. He had the good fortune to meet and play with many notable baseball greats. He played catch with Babe Ruth, was coached in high school by John Wooden, and became friends with Stan Musial during his tryout with the St. Louis Cardinals. Phil also befriended Billy Martin, who was assigned to his infantry platoon in 1954. They renewed their friendship on many later occasions when Phil would travel to Florida for spring training and would visit Billy while he was managing the New York Yankees and the Oakland Athletics.

Phil possessed a rare combination of qualities and characteristics. He was honest, moral, ethical, and humble, and he maintained resolute principals of equity and fairness toward all persons. Phil was a fierce advocate for his clients, while maintaining a compassionate and empathetic view of his adversaries. He was friendly to everyone he knew and worked with, and was an exceptional gentleman. In his role as a gentleman attorney, he was rarely seen outside without his trademark straw fedora hat. Phil was an avid reader, who enjoyed traveling, music, and the arts, had an affinity for animals, and was well known for his collection of lion statuary. First and foremost, he was a beloved husband and father, who faithfully served his country, the community, and the legal profession in many capacities throughout his life.

Phil served as an Assistant United States Attorney and as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Indiana, was a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office, and served one term as City Judge in South Bend. Phil was also a director, and later president, of the St. Joseph County Bar Association, a long-time member of the Bench and Bar Committee, and the Chairman of the St. Joseph County Bar Association’s Probate Committee. He served as an Adjunct Professor at Indiana University in South Bend, where he taught business law for twenty years, and was named an Outstanding Educator of America in 1975.

Phil served on the Board of Directors for a number of organizations during his professional career, including the South Bend YMCA, the St. Joseph County Campfire Girls, the Broadway Theatre League and the St. Joseph County Welfare Department.

One of the many memorable world views that he espoused was: “Overlook the perceived shortcomings of friends and relatives, lend a smile and your hand to the less fortunate, and above all, keep a place in your heart for all of nature's creatures.” He will be missed.

At Phil’s request, there will be no public service, but his life will be celebrated by those who knew and loved him.

Memorial donations may be made, in Phil’s name, to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To share a memory, or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.McGannHay.com.