Don and Dorothy (Dot) Motter

Many, if not most of you, have never met Don Motter.  For many years, he and his wife spent their winters at Oakwood Estates and worshiped with us at FBC.  Last Sunday, July 13, God called Don home to Heaven.  The Don Motter I knew was a man deserving of honor.  Let me tell you a little bit about him.

An Excellent Musician
Don was one of the finest musicians that has ever played in our church orchestra.  His clarinet never squeaked and always had a rich and beautiful tone.  No music was too difficult for Don.  When he played solos in church he would have the music memorized.  This allowed him to play with his eyes closed.  Listening to him play, it felt like I was listening in on a private performance that Don was giving to God Himself.  The passion and excellence that he put into the music was obvious for all to see.  

Our FBC orchestra in 1997. Don is in the front row, on the right end, playing his clarinet.

A Joyful Spirit
Don was filled with joy.  Every time I saw him or spoke to him on the phone, he was happy.  It was not a false or forced joy.  It was the genuine joy that can only fill someone who has received Jesus Christ as their personal savior.  One phrase I heard Don say repeatedly was, “Keep Smiling!”  As his health deteriorated and life grew harder, Don kept smiling and kept choosing joy.  His joy was such an encouragement to me.

A Generous Giver
Don was very generous.  I have stacks of Clarinet music that he bought “just so the church would have some good music on hand.”  Several years ago, Don’s health forced him to stop traveling to Winter Haven.  However, that did not end his relationship with FBC.  He was so interested in our Family Life Center (FLC) and often sent financial gifts to help us build it.  He frequently called to ask if the dedication of the FLC had been scheduled – because he wanted to be here for it.  By God’s grace, a then 89-year old Don Motter was able to be with us on April 3rd, 2011 when we dedicated our FLC.  His smile was extra big that day.

Don Motter was not perfect.  But, the Don Motter that I knew was a man who set a wonderful example for all of us to follow.  If you are a musician, pursue excellence.  Be passionate about the musical abilities God has given you.  Do not be mediocre.  If you are breathing – be joyful.  We can have true joy because of Jesus.  Choose joy every day and ‘keep smiling.’   Finally, be generous.  Generosity naturally flows out of joy.

I thank God for Don Motter.  It was my joy and privilege to have been his friend.