Donald Gene Mote

Don Mote passed away on Thursday September 26, 2023 at the age of 95. He was born to Ted and Myrtle (Hazelwood) Mote on July 28, 1929 in Franklin, Ohio and raised in Red Lion. Don attended Clear Creek Rural High School (now Springboro High School) where he played basketball and graduated in 1947. After graduation he worked full time on the farm, just east of Red Lion, with his grandfather where Don had worked since he was a young boy. On July 1, 1948, Don married Lois Wright, his pretty basketball cheerleader and love of his life. They took over the farm and established their family, raising four children, Judy, Linda, Terry, and Diana. As a self employed farmer, he managed a 1000 acre farming operation and in 1956 was awarded "Warren County Farmer of the Year". in 1965 Don Became fascinated with computers and achieved a degree in 1966 from Cincinnati Technical College as a computer programmer. Don joined Mosler Safe in Hamilton, Ohio and moved the family to Monroe. In 1969 Don was promoted to supervisor of Data Processing Operations and in 1979 was promoted to manager. He was an active member in the Data Processing Management Association for 22 years, serving as President of the Cincinnati Chapter for 1979 - 1980 and was awarded Data Processing Manager of the year for 1978 - 1979. Don excelled at pitching horseshoes and enjoyed pitching horseshoes with the "Mosler Seniors". He received numerous trophies from tournaments played. When Don retired in 1992, he received a proclamation from then Cincinnati mayor, Dwight Tillery, proclaiming July 8, 1992 as "Donald G. Mote Day" in CIncinnati. Don was also awarded as an honored member of "Who's Who Worldwide" in the 1992/1993 Platinum Edition of the Who's Who Registry for leadership and achievement in his profession. During his lifetime Don was a member of the Red Lion Methodist Church for over 50 years. In retirement he continued to grow flowers, fruits, and vegetables. He planted a garden every year from a young boy through the age of 93, canning and freezing for food for the family. Don loved roses and had 400 rose bushes at one time, successfully breeding 2 new roses. He was an accomplished carpenter, building barns, garage workshops with cabinets and many treasured keepsakes. Don was a wonderful husband, taking care of Lois during her last 10 years of illnesses. They had enjoyed over 70 years of marriage. Don was also an excellent father, helping each child and grandchild whenever he was needed. He handed down to his children a strong work ethic, outworking anyone into his 90's. Don was preceded in death by his wife; Lois, parents, and his younger brother Jim Mote. Family left to honor him are his 4 children; Judy (Stan) Willis, Linda (Fred) Kestermann, Terry (Sandy) Mote, and Diana (Sara Fansher) Blake. Don is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Michelle Hines, Ted (Renee') Hamilton, Kristen (Jesse) Price, James Blake, Jennifer (Jimmy) Gibson, and Jacqueline (Brian) Williams. There are 12 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren, and extended family.

A visitation for Don will be held Thursday, October 3, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Anderson Funeral Home, 1357 E. 2nd St., Franklin, Ohio 45005, followed by a funeral service at 12:00 PM. Burial will immediately follow at Springboro Cemetery.