Obituary: Edward Mellville LaMotte

Edward Mellville LaMotte gently passed away at his home in Carson City, June 17, 2009 at the age of 90 years. Edward was born in Los Angeles, Calif. Dec. 9, 1918 to Mona Irene Byrne and Edward Mellville LaMotte.

He lived in Southern California with his mother Mona during his youth. His best friend was his Uncle Edward Fitzgerald, who was only two years older than him; they were like brothers. In 1940, Edward moved to Akron, Ohio to be near his father. That is where he met the love of his life, Nellie Doreen Slade. They were married in 1942, and remained a loving couple for over 48 years; until her untimely death in 1991.

In 1942, Edward enlisted in the navy, was stationed in Miami, Fla. where he worked as an engineer designing air blimps, until he was honorably discharged three years later. During that time, Edward and Nellie had their first child Edward Mellville LaMotte III. After the war, Edward moved his new family to Los Angeles, Calif. to be closer to his mother. Edward and Nellie had three more children, Desmond, Joellen, and David. Edward always put his family first. He worked long hours to support everyone he loved. After working many years for a hose reel manufacturer, Edward decided to take his knowledge and start his own business, Duroline Company. Later he renamed the business to Duro Manufacturing. In 1991, Edward and his family relocated to Carson City.

In 1999, Edward married Beverly Willis until her death in June 2009. Edward retired in 2005, after working over 60 years in the manufacturing business. Some of Edwards's favorite places were Bodie and Bishop, CA including the high sierras. He loved camping, trout fishing, and hunting. Edward was an excellent oil painting landscape artist. Edward loved his family and friends and will be missed by all who knew him. He will be remembered for his generosity, kind heart, loving spirit, great sense of humor, and big smile.

Edward Mellville LaMotte is survived by his three sons, his daughter, four daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations to be made to St. Mary's Hospice and Parkinson's Foundation of the Heartland, 8900 State Line Road, Suite 320, Leawood, KS 66206.

A viewing will be 5-7 p.m., Monday. A funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at FitzHenry's Chapel of Faith. Burial will be at Eastside Memorial Park in Minden. FitzHenry's Funeral Home of Carson City is caring for arrangements.