WorldWide Drilling Resource

16 JANUARY 2021 WorldWide Drilling Resource® In Memoriam Herbert Arthur Potts (1930~2020) Herbert Arthur Potts passed away October 27, 2020. He was born in Bozeman, Montana, on March 2, 1930, to William and Fenna Potts. He was the youngest of five children and the only child to be born in the United States to his Dutch immigrant parents. By the start of his ninth grade year in high school, Herb was needed on the family farm due to World War II. That, along with a life-threatening illness, ended his high school career. He spent the rest of his youth working on the farm, raising sheep, and riding his favorite horse “Scout.” In 1952, at age 22, Herb enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and served as a drill sergeant. After his honorable discharge, Herb returned to the Gallatin Valley, where he married the love of his life, Evelyn “Evie” Danhoff, and started a family. Herb built a very successful water well drilling business, starting in 1964. He was a natural at well drilling with his understanding of geology and an innate ability to find water, including the occasional use of dowsing. He was also incredibly sharp and gifted with figuring out how things work and tinkering on machines. He sold the business in 1992 and spent much of his retirement with family, traveling around the United States, camping, skiing, hunting, and fishing. Herb was a strong-willed man, as well as physically strong and was known for his bear hugs. Herb is survived by his wife Evelyn, with whom he had just shared their 64th wedding anniversary on October 12; his four sons Bob (Lisa), Dave (Carolyn), Jim (Bonnie), Andy (Mary); 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. Kent Wilkins (1961~2020) The Oklahoma Water Resources Board (OWRB) was saddened by the loss of Kent Wilkins on October 28, 2020, near Pagosa Springs, Colorado. An incredible husband, father, Papa, and friend, Kent was born on October 10, 1961, to Joe Lynn and Mary Lois Wilkins in McAlester, Oklahoma. He graduated from Kiowa High School in 1979, and later from Oklahoma State University with a degree in geology. Later, he received certification in hydrogeology. Kent married Neta Jan Staples in 1984, and they were married 34 years on the day she passed. Kent worked as a well-site geologist and consultant before he began his career at the Oklahoma Water Resources Board in 1990. He held the title of Division Chief of the Planning and Management Division and represented the OWRB as a legislative liaison to the state capitol. He was a member of the Oklahoma Ground Water Association, National Ground Water Association, and Oklahoma Floodplain Managers Association. Kent had many notable accomplishments in his 30 years with the OWRB and was instrumental in the development of many state rules and statutes necessary to protect Oklahoma’s water resources. Kent enjoyed many hobbies including hunting, gardening, raising cattle, running and exercising, singing karaoke, trips with friends, and spending time with his granddaughters. He was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church of McAlester; a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, and McAlester Sertoma Club. He is survived by his daughter Jacy (Corbin); son Josh; granddaughters Mia and Halle; and his father Joe. Brian Dean Taylor (1941~2020) WorldWide was saddened to hear of the loss of Brian Dean Taylor on Friday, October 30, 2020, at McLaren Flint, Michigan. He was born February 20,1941, in Thetford Township to Charles and Emma Taylor. He grew up in Clio, Michigan, and graduated from Clio High School in 1960. On April 14, 1962, he married Margaret Choate in Clio. Brian was the owner and operator of Taylor Well Drilling, Inc. for the past 50 years with his family. He was a member of the Michigan Ground Water Association and the National Rifle Association. Brian enjoyed taking care of his bees, deer hunting, running his sawmill and other equipment. He also loved spending his weekends with friends and family at their place in Lupton, Michigan. He is survived by his wife of 58 years Margaret; children Brad (Terri), Craig (Kris), Brenda, Brent; grandchildren Cody (Samantha), Chelsea (Allen), Rebecca, Jessica, Shelby; and great-grandchildren Scarlett and Dean. The WWDRTeam extends their sympathies to these industry gentlemen’s family, friends, and former colleagues. Lest we forget...

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