Carl D. Mote, SMSgt (USAF, Retired), passed away on June 21st, 2025 at Parkview Community Hospital, after a brief illness. His loving wife, Paula J. Mote, passed away peacefully at home in Riverside, California on June 25th, 2025. They were the lights of each other’s lives, sharing almost 34 years together.
Paula was born December 10th, 1946, in Riverside, to Andrew Jack and Velma Davis. In years past, Paula enjoyed time spent with her large extended family. Whether it be at one of the numerous family gatherings in Parker, Arizona at Jack and Velma’s river home or holidays in Riverside, when Paula was in attendance, her beautiful smile and fun banter always lit up the room. Paula is survived by daughter Jami (Harry), grandkids Tyler and Jena, sisters Jackie (Bill), Christine, Andra aka Tulip and brother Steven aka Sam (Janet), along with many nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband, Carl, son Albert Leroy, her parents and sister Bobbie.
Carl was born May 14th, 1943 in Lineville, Alabama, to Flora and Marion Mote. Carl grew up roaming the woods of rural Alabama, always a country boy at heart. He entered the United States Air Force in 1962, prior to the Cuban Missile Crisis. Carl proudly served his country over 21 years on worldwide assignments as a Strategic Air Command Cold Warrior guarding nuclear weapons, with service in Vietnam during the Tet offensive. Following his retirement at March AFB, he worked in the defense industry for Rockwell International and Boeing for another 20 years. Carl loved spending time with his family, was an avid history buff and a diehard Crimson Tide football fan. He is survived by son Michael (Lynnette), daughter Annette (Wendy), grandkids Carolyn, Colin and Andrew, and sister Margaret (Jerry) Herren. He is preceded in death by his parents, sisters Louise Noles, Genell Collins, and Annette Pitts, brother John, and an infant brother.
The family will receive friends and family on July 15th at Arlington Mortuary from 11:00 to 12:30, with military honors rendered and burial at Riverside National Cemetery at 1:45.