Richard "Dick" Mott

Richard Merle Mott passed away peacefully in his sleep at Olathe Medical Center February 17, 2018. A visitation will be held 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2018 followed by a funeral service at 11:30 a.m. at the Hillsdale Presbyterian Church, 22875 W. 255 St., Hillsdale, KS. Richard, known by most as Dick, was born to Emma Martha Caroline Spuehler and Louis Floyd Mott March 12, 1928, in Kansas City, KS. Dick attended Overland Park and Stanley schools until the age of 17, when, inspired by his enlisted brother Don, he left school and joined the Navy. Honorably discharged in 1948, he then spent several years working a series of odd jobs, during which time he met his soon-to-be wife Helen Roberta Coburn at the Paola Pla-Mart in 1949. Struck by his big brown eyes and wide smile, Helen said she was smitten at first sight. The couple married April 16, 1950, at the Hillsdale Presbyterian Church. Soon they welcomed their first child, Leonard Cameron Mott. Their second child and only daughter Richelle Sue Mott followed 5 years later. 12 years later Dick and Helen had their second son, Richard Lee Mott. A talented artist, Dick began taking classes at the Kansas City Art Institute. In 1957 he used his skill with a paint brush to open Dick Mott Signs in a converted chicken coop near his brother-in-law’s home in Olathe. Dick was known to be generous with his knowledge of a business that could often be secretive and mentored many future sign-makers including competitors. He also was the creator of one of Johnson County’s most iconic signages, the national award-winning Eugene D. Brown Realty bear. The business went on to become the oldest sign company in Johnson County, and is still active today. Later that year the young family moved to Hillsdale, KS, to be near Helen’s parents Minnie and Frank Coburn, who owned Coburn General Merchandise. Dick quickly became an important part of the Hillsdale community: youth group leader, Sunday school teacher, and elder to the Presbyterian Church; he was also appointed to the school board for Hillsdale Elementary. After raising 3 children and handing over Dick Mott Signs to his son, Dick went back to high school, and at age 68, Dick stood in line with the rest of the class of 1996 and accepted his long-delayed diploma. In his retirement Dick was a caring grandfather, founder of the “Table 10”, and well-known snowbird. He was preceded in death by his parents Emma and Louis, brother Don, and daughter Richelle. He is survived by his wife Helen, his sons Cameron and Lee, his grandchildren Noah Mott, Michael Mott, Hannah Imrie, Taylar Mott, Martha Heavilin, and Madison Mott, and his great grandchildren, Julius Mott, Gabriel Mott, Jackson Mott, Fiona Mott, Agatha Imrie, and Weston Stuebner. Memorials can be made to the Hillsdale Presbyterian Youth Group (The Outsiders) or to the Paola Free Library Foundation. Family and friends are encouraged to post their condolences and memories on Dick's Tribute Wall.