ATHENS- Richard J. Mottl, Retired Lt. Colonel U.S. Army, age 84, died Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at The Laurels of Athens. Born May 25, 1939 in Cleveland, he was the son of the late Frank Mottl and Vlasta Cerny Mottl.
A 1957 graduate of John Adams High School in Cleveland, he received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and his master’s degree from the Naval War College in Newport, RI. He served in the U.S. Army for 25 years retiring in 1987. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. He was the Professor of Military Science with Reserve Officer’s Training Corps at Ohio University (the same program he completed for his bachelor’s degree at OU and received his Army commission). After his retirement from the Army, he was employed at Pico Sales for several years. He and his late wife enjoyed their family, golf, tennis and ocean cruising.
Richard enjoyed the Athens area and was involved in the community, serving on the Athens County Board of Elections, a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Downtown Athens and the First United Methodist Church of Athens.
He is survived by two daughters, Julie Bartlett and her companion Keith of Albany and Rebecca (Charlie) Meyer of Hudson; three grandchildren, Anthony (Mercedes) Matheny, Annie Meyer and Abby Meyer; two great grandchildren, Ethan Matheny and Eli Matheny.
Besides his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Beverly Ann Jaskulski Mottl in 2011. At Richard’s request there will be no services. He and his late wife’s ashes will be placed in the columbarium at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA, with Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to OhioHealth Home Care and Hospice, 444 W. Union St., Suite C, Athens, OH 45701. Arrangements are with Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens. Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.
