Gerald D. Motes, 83, lifelong Ft. Morgan resident, died Thursday, July 28, 2011 at the Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado. Gerald was born September 30, 1927 in Ft. Morgan to David and Zella (Gregory) Motes. He served his country in the United States Army from 1946 until 1949. He was stationed in the Phillipines. He also served in the Army National Guard in Colorado. Gerald married Mary Ballas on December 17, 1949 in Ft. Morgan. She died October 13, 2005. Gerald owned and operated Motes Refrigeration from 1956 until 1980 and then worked for the Hamlin Electric Company from 1980 until he retired in the early 1990's. Gerald was a member of the Evening Optimist Club, the American Legion and the VFW. Survivors include two daughters, Barbara Motes of La Vista, Nebraska and Debra Motes of Howells, Nebraska. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary, brothers, Walter, Willis, Dewayne and Neil Motes and two sisters, Juanita Motes and Opal Adams. Memorial Services will be Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 10:30 am from the Heer & Dahl Mortuary Chapel in Ft. Morgan. Inurnment will follow at the Serenity Falls Columbarium in Ft. Morgan. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the Evening Optimist Club Scholarship Fund. The Heer & Dahl Mortuary in Ft. Morgan is in charge of the arrangements.