Louis Lidgie Motl

Louis Lidgie Motl passed from this life in Santa Fe, Texas on October 27, 2024 at the age of 101.

Louis, a resident of Santa Fe, Texas for 75 years, was born June 5, 1923, in Wallis, TX to Bernard and Amalie (Svajda) Motl.

After graduating from Wallis High School in 1941, Louis enrolled in the NYA (National Youth Administration) program, where he learned woodworking in the evenings and shipbuilding during the day. Upon completion of this course, he was hired by Brown Shipbuilding Co. in Houston.

Louis was a World War II veteran serving in the U.S. Army’s European Civil Affairs Division from 1943-1945. After serving his country, Louis began a series of odd jobs before settling in with Union Carbide in Texas City.  He retired as a chief operator in 1986 after 38 years.

Louis married Mary Catherine Sckittone on April 24, 1949, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Hitchcock, TX. His carpentry skills were manifested in building their lifelong home. A home he lived in independently until the last eight months of his life.

Music was always a big part of Louis’ life. A self-taught musician, he could play the violin, guitar, steel guitar, accordion, piano and organ. And, his latest passion was riding his John Deere mowers. Louis also was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, KJT and VFW.

Louis was preceded in death by the love of his life for over 67 years, his wife, Mary Catherine; parents; daughter, Jennifer Williams; sisters, Elizabeth Janik, Mary Motl and Dorothy Vitek; brothers, Ben, Ervin and Gilbert Motl.

Survivors include daughter, Mary Lou Wheeler and husband, Gregg of Richardson; sons, Bernard Motl and wife, Debra of Conroe, Thomas Motl and companion, Marylou Valencia of Hitchcock; son-in-law, Mike Williams of Friendswood; sisters-in-law, Willie Mae Motl of Bellville and Rosie Hadley of Etoile; 9 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 30, 2024, at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church with Reverend Larry Wilson, Celebrant.  Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Catholic Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Louie Motl, Larry Motl, Travis Williams, Gregory Motl, Russ Price and Tim Ward.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hayes Funeral Home, 10412 Highway 6, (409) 925-3501, with a Vigil Service beginning at 6:30 p.m. with Deacon Mike Carr officiating.  A Rosary will follow recited by Mr. Don LeCompte. 

The family wishes to thank the caretakers at Victorious Assisted Living and North Star Hospice for the care Louis received in the last months of his life.

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