Samuel Mott

Kiowa, Kansas-Graveside service for Samuel Garnett Mott will be Monday, June 25, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Kiowa.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa.  Viewing will be Sunday from 2:00 p.m. until 5 p.m. and Monday 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Samuel Garnett Mott was born three miles south of Kiowa, Kansa on April 30, 1925 to John Lewis and Olive Emma Hildebrand Mott.  Sam passed away on June 21, 2018 in Kiowa.  Sam spent the first years of his life in Kiowa until his mother and father purchased a farm and moved to Tiff City, Missouri in 1942.  Sam’s desire, however, was to graduate from Kiowa High School.  With his parents’ blessing and his promise to return to Missouri following graduation, Sam attended his senior year at Kiowa High School, graduating with the class of 1943.  During this time Sam lived in Kiowa with his brother, Frank and wife, Helen.  After graduation Sam returned to the family farm in Missouri, where he did the work he so loved . . . farming.  While plowing, Sam spoke of observing dirt work being done in the valleys nearby, for the completion of what is now Grand Lake.

Sam was drafted into the United States Marine Corp in April, 1944.  He proudly served his country as a member of the 1st Marine Airwing until his honorable discharge in August, 1946.  Sam chose to make Kiowa his home, and on August 14, 1949 he married Mildred Joan Allen of Hardtner, Kansas.  They were married at the United Methodist Church in Hardtner and made their home in Kiowa.  At that time Sam worked for Western Light.  On December 18, 1950 Sam and Mildred were blessed with the birth of their first child, Craig Allen.  Then on April 16, 1959 their daughter, Kay Lynn was born.

Sam was a devoted husband and father who cherished his family.  Sam took pride in being a good provider and instilled important values in his children, such as self-discipline, honesty and respect.  Sam also had a tireless work ethic.  He began farming the Roe and Myrtle King farm in 1950 and then purchased the farm from the King’s in 1964.  It has remained in the family since then.  Sam was also a skilled carpenter and built numerous home in the Kiowa and Hazelton area.

During his life, Sam served on the Coop Board of Directors.  He was baptized in March 1996 and became a member of the First Christian Church in Kiowa.

In later years Sam continued to spend time at the farm every day.  He also socialized with friends at “Yur Place,” The Little Store” and the Coop.   Always the caregiver, never selfish and a tower of strength, Sam so lovingly provided care for Mildred the last few months of her life.  After the death of Mildred in May, 2006, Sam appreciated the loving gestures of food, cards, visits and encouraging words from family and friends.  He especially looked forward to the holidays, as he would receive “goodies” from various local organizations.

Sam’s toughness, pride and bravery as a Marine in World War II was recognized when he, Craig and Kay Lynn traveled to Washington D.C. on the Kansas Honor Flight in October, 2011.

Prior to his health declining, Sam never failed to remember, acknowledge and honor birthdays and holidays of his children and spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He loved being “Grandpa Sam” to Nathan and Shelley Eckert, Abigail, Sadie and Isaac; Michelle and Zach Morgan, Avery, Alex, Calvin and Colton; Bret and Jana Mott, Luke and Lily; Tim and Terri Jo Littau, Tanner and Tate; Tyson and Kate Littau, Cooper and Josie; and Trey and Amy Littau, Abby and Emma.

On September 30, 2014 Sam entered the Kiowa Manor and resided there until his death.  Sam greatly appreciated visits and treats from family and friends.  He also enjoyed car rides around Kiowa and to the farm so he could check the wheat and see the cats.

Preceding him in death was his cherished wife, Mildred; his parents, Lewis and olive Mott; brother, Frank Mott and wife, Helen; sister, Elizabeth Kisling and husband, George; sister June Reed and husband, Ralph; nephews, Gary Lewis Reed, Freddie Lewis Mott, Stephen D. Mott; niece, Sandra Jean Reed and son-in-law, Ronald Lee Littau.

Sam is survived by his son, Craig and wife, Leesa of Kiowa; daughter, Kay Lynn Mott Littau of Woodward, Oklahoma; six grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; beloved nephews; nieces, cousins and friends.

Loving thoughts from Craig and Kay Lynn . . .

Although we are comforted that dad and mom are now reunited, their absence will leave a void in our lives that can never be filled.  We are forever grateful to have been blessed with parents that were patient, kind, loving and selfless.  The depth of our love and respect for them is indescribable, and we will treasure their memory in our hearts.

Memorials may be made to Kiowa District Manor, Kiowa or Hardtner Rural Fire Departments or Kansas Honor Flights through the funeral home.