FRANKLIN MOTT

Daughter Lee Ann and granddaughter Iva shared in his bedside vigil. Frank had received excellent and compassionate care there for almost three years.

Sandy visited daily usually feeding him his lunch and appreciates all the patients, families, and staff that she grew so close to.

Frank grew up looking up to is oldest brother Sonny Mott(deceased), Bob Mott, Dave Mott (deceased) and sisters Dorothy Mackintosh (deceased), Mary Louise Pleso and Betty Jean Hill. Frank was baptized at the age of 15 and was a lifetime member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, serving as deacon, elder, and song service coordinator. After high school he settled in California, eventually attending barber school and marrying his high school sweetheart

Sandy whom he married September 30, 1962. They called Loma Linda, CA their beloved home for 10 years. Settling back in New Manchester, WV, he soon became known as the jogging barber of Marland Heights, Weirton. He cut bums hair in San Bernardino, CA and executives of banks and Weirton Steel, fifty-three years he served his community, because if you were a client of Franks, you were a friend.

He followed his clients from his shop to the hospital, and home, then even comforted their family at their funeral. Frank was known for his even manner while engaging customers in talks of religion, health and social matters. He provided help to anyone in need. He often played ball with kids at the park next door to his barber shop, he was very popular, giving advice and becoming a father figure to many. He led many to accept Jesus into their lives and that multigenerational legacy continues. A life well lived. Frank was known for his “high and tight” haircuts, making him busy with police and military. A man of many talents and physical strengths, he could be seen walking on his hands, boxing in his younger days, buying ice cream at the pharmacy upstairs for kids, and helping the elderly and disadvantaged. He taught himself construction, building rooms, garages, and stables for his family. He mowed many lawns afterwork for friends and family for free, did bodywork with his brother Sonny, climbed trees, hills, and mountains and had an extreme passion for golf. He could have easily pursued these for fame and used his JFK looks to further himself in worldly pursuits, but he was always grounded in his faith and his fierce protection of his wife.

He had a wanderlust, traveling cross country close to 20 times as he went from CA to WV and beyond, reaching all 48 contiguous states. Frank gave it all. That describes him most. He truly believed in tithing and went way beyond his mean to help the church and anyone in need, giving cars away, even loaning money so a police officer could get a degree he desired to better care for his young family. Frank took in his brother Dave for many years and others as needed. Sabbath Day was filled with new and old friends alike, opening his small but well-kept home to others. He taught kids how to stand on head/hands, throw a punch, save money, drive a stick shift, give a firm handshake, start a fire, use a saw and hatchet, swing on grape vines and use a wrist rocket sling shot. He was an amazing runner, swimmer and self-taught musician, picking up any instrument and playing it with ease, but favored his harmonica amazingly he played until his last year of life. Piano, guitar, and dulcimer were often played as well. In retirement he continued his golfing, walking, bicycling, and traveling, and at almost any stop around the country he would connect with or find a common friend.

Frank was in excellent physical condition for many years, but most likely suffered from Lewey Body Dementia from early onset Parkinsons, but with the love of his wife he kept his dignity and defying all odds he could remember his family and his harmonica, also delighted the staff with an occasional joke and a hug and became a much-loved resident of WGC. Frank was at other facilities, but his wife realized he was depressed, and he blossomed at the right home setting. Frank was seen as the strong one, but his wife stepped right up and showed her strength, and their love was evident to any one present.

In addition to being a son of Verna Lenora Davis Mott and Arthur Gordon Mott, husband of Sandra Lee Wilson Mott, father of Mark (Connie) Mott, Lee Ann Mott Aul (Dr. Jerome) and granddaughters’Jaylynn and Iva, he had many beloved nieces and nephews. Lee Raymond Mott was like a second son and another self-proclaimed favorite nephew was Donald Mackintosh that shared his wanderlust, sense of comedy, and thirst for knowledge. Dennis Mott also impressed his uncle with his humor and tough man/teddy bear demeanor. But he loved all his many nieces and nephews from CA, Midwest, NC, and WV.

Family wishes to thank WGC AU, Weirton SDA Church members, family and friends that have never forgotten Frank.

A memorial is set for August 23, 2025,at 2:00, at Weirton Seventh Day Adventist Church by the hospital. Plans for a future dedication at Tomlinson Run State Park where Frank grew up swimming, playing, and running and walking until he couldn’t, will be announced later, possibly to include a memorial run/walk for charity.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that you help a child, a widow, or a nursing home patient. Pay tithe and give to charities. Frank gave it All- his heart and life to Jesus, his faithfulness to his wife, his wisdom to his kids and his time and money to his community. He lived and died believing and proving that giving and loving leads to blessings received. Donating to Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) would be well received as it serves a global response effort to disasters and underserved communities.