Robert E. Mottar, Sr.

He was born on March 7, 1936 in Springfield, Illinois, the son of the late Norval and Katheryn (Carver) Mottar. He married Carolyn Lewis on October 26, 1958 in Springfield and she preceded him in death on January 29, 2018. Bob was a life-long resident of Springfield except for a 10 year stay in Southern California between 1963 and 1973.

Bob worked for Triad Industrial Supply and retired twice from there. The first time he was retired for about 60 days. He went back to work part time and retired the second time when he was 83 years old. As a young man he worked for Sangamo Electric and when living in California he worked for Cherry Rivet. One of his great joys was officiating football for the Illinois High School Association in addition to softball and basketball for the Springfield Recreation Department.

He is survived by 3 children, Lyn Mottar of Springfield, Robert Jr. (wife Cathy) Mottar of Justin, TX, and Teri Garrett of Springfield; 3 grandchildren, Jennifer (husband Garrett) Phillips, Ashley (fiancé Mitchell Kelly) Mottar, and Morgan Garrett (partner Devin Harris-Howard); 3 great-grandchildren, Tess Phillips, Cliff Phillips, and Ermias Harris-Howard; and 1 sister Dolores Smith of Stonington, IL.

Besides his parents and his wife, Bob was preceded in death by his brother Richard Mottar; a sister-in-law Jeannine Mottar; a brother-in-law Robert Smith; and his son-in-law Christopher Garrett.

Bob spent several summers following his daughter, Teri, across the country as she performed in Drum and Bugle Corp competitions. He became the “camp cook” at the deer camp his son Rob went to each November. In his later years he had the opportunity to visit several “bucket list” locations with his daughter, Lyn, including the Baseball and Football Halls of Fame, the battlefields of Gettysburg and a cruise to Alaska. Bob adored his grandchildren, spending many summers traveling to watch each of them play softball. He was thrilled to become a great-grandfather.

Bob also enjoyed camping, cooking and just being with his family. He was an avid St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan.

Arrangements are under the direction of Bisch and Son Funeral Home, 505 E. Allen, Springfield, where visitation will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023 from 4 to 7 pm. Funeral service will be held on Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11 am at the funeral home. Cremation rites will follow.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.