Earl Eldon Motts, Jr.

September 16, 1932 ~ August 21, 2021 (age 88)

Earl E. Motts Jr., age 88, passed away on August 21, 2021, in his South Bend home. Earl was born on September 16, 1932, to his parents, Earl Eldon Motts Sr. and Hildegard Alfutowski (Alford). Earl’s deceased siblings are Paul Motts, Elda Mary Skelton, Helen Bronsing, and Irene Motts. He is survived by his spouse, Kathy (Cunningham) Motts, whom he married in February 1987. He is also survived by his twin brother, Eldon E. “Blackie” Motts.

Earl married Bonnie Deal in 1953, and together they had five children, Judy Motts, Jeanette Collins, James Motts (Deceased), CJ Rowland and John Motts. He also had seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Earl was a great father and had a good sense of humor. Many summers were spent on family camping trips. Earl loved the great outdoors. He was an avid deer hunter and took many trips to Wyoming and Montana to bring back deer and elk for his family. He also went on fishing trips with friends where many tall tales were told.

Earl grew up in South Bend and graduated from Riley High School in 1951, where he was a champion in Track and Field. After high school he entered the Navy in 1951 and served until 1955. He served on the USS Hale in the boiler room during the Korean Conflict. Earl worked as a journeyman plumber with Plumbers and Pipefitters Local #172. He retires in 1994 after 52 years with the union.

Earl was a former member of the Calvert Rod and Gun Club, the American Legion Post #284 and American Legion Post #357. Earl and Kathy enjoyed traveling. They enjoyed 30 years of traveling the U.S. to renew friendships at Navy reunions. They also spent time exploring Alaska, New Zealand, Australia, Europe, and Ireland. Earl was an avid woodworker in his retirement. He crafted clocks, desks, lamps, and tables which he gifted to family and friends. He also enjoyed watching Westerns and war movies. He lived a full life, focused and family and friends.

At Earl request will be no formal service. Friends are welcome to visit with the family from 5-8pm in Hahn Funeral Home, 505 W. 8th Street in Mishawaka, on Thursday, August 26, 2021. Earl will be laid to rest in a private committal service at Fairview Cemetery in Mishawaka.

To leave an online condolence or to share a memory, please visit www.hahnfuneralhomes.com.

08.23.2021  djb