Francis Leeroy Motter

Francis LeeRoy Motter, 93, of Midwest City, OK, formerly of Ottawa, KS, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, June 4, 2018. Family will meet with friends from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M., Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at Dengel & Son Mortuary, Ottawa. Funeral services will immediately follow at 2:00 P.M., Tuesday. Interment Centropolis Cemetery, Centropolis, KS. He was the fourth of six children born to George and Nora Ellen (McElroy) Motter in Ottawa, KS, on September 17, 1924. He married his high school sweetheart Evelyn Irene Gilliland May 9, 1943, in Topeka, KS. A few days later he graduated from Appanoose High School. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the Marines and on June 9, 1943 he was in San Diego, CA. Francis was a Marine for six years where he was stationed in the Pacific area, Philippines and China. He enlisted in the United States Air Force where he was a flight engineer for 16 years. Francis retired as a Master Sergeant with 22 years of service on February 28, 1967. He proudly served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam wars. The day after his military retirement, he was hired as a flight engineer for American Flyers out of Ardmore, OK. Francis worked for several commercial airlines but was especially proud to be the chief flight engineer at Hawaiian Airlines. He officially retired August 1, 1988. His love of flying always remained with him. He owned several aircraft; his favorite was a Mooney Ranger. Shortly after his final retirement, Francis and Evelyn bought a fifth wheel which took them to Canada, Mexico and every state in the US except Hawaii. The only reason they didn’t go to Hawaii was there wasn’t a bridge long enough! They traveled from 1988 to 2012. They moved to Midwest City, OK in August of 2014, where he became a faithful member of Del Baptist Temple in Del City, OK. Preceding him in death were his parents George and Nora Motter, sister Mae Shaffer, brothers Everett Motter, George “Junior” Motter, Robert “Bob” Motter, son Gary Motter, daughter Diana Hemingway, and granddaughter Amy Hemingway. Surviving him are his loving wife of 75 years, Evelyn of the home, daughter Patricia Dyer and husband Gene of Centropolis, KS, son Michael “Mike” Motter and wife Dollie of Harrah, OK, brother Jack Motter of Moran, KS, daughter-in-law Linda Motter of Centropolis, KS, son-in-law Gerald “Jerry” Hemingway of Elk City, OK, grandchildren Lyneese Wright, Monty Dyer, Chad Motter and Aaron Hemingway, 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. Special thanks to the VA in Topeka and Oklahoma City, Hearts at Home and Loving Care Hospice for their support and care. The family suggests memorial contributions to Del Baptist Temple c/o Dengel & Son Mortuary, 235 S. Hickory, Ottawa, Kansas 66067. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Francis’ Tribute Wall at www.dengelmortuary.com