David Poto
Feb.4, 1949 – July 2, 2025
David Eugene Poto, 76, of Sweet Home, passed away July 2, 2025.
He was born Feb. 4, 1949, to Ruth Evelyn (Church) and Eugene Wilson Poto in Gary, Ind.
In 1971 he joined the Navy. Dave served on the USS Providence as a radio operator until 1975. He received a combat action ribbon in Vietnam while serving on a guided-missile cruiser.
Dave lived in various areas of California: San Diego, Sacramento, Redding, San Ramon and Tracy, before moving to Sweet Home in 2005.
He was a Scientology counselor in Chico, Calif., for three years. At the age of 14 he worked in the food industry in San Diego. Dave managed Hilltop restaurant in Redding for four years. He owned Panther Industries from 1988 to 2022.
Dave was a car enthusiast at the age of 10. He belonged to three car clubs in Oregon. He had a car detailing business in Sweet Home. Amazingly, he owned 112 vehicles his lifetime. He volunteered at the Lebanon Sheriff’s substation for 11 years.
He is survived by his wife, Sandra K. Poto of Sweet Home.
He was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim (2005) and Richard (1991); his mother Ruth (1992); and father Eugene (1982).
A celebration of life, with military honors, will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel.
Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.