“David was my close friend and running buddy during my years in Washington. He was the most relentlessly good natured individuals I have ever known, always found the humor in any situation, and was an empathetic confidant. I grieve his passing and know the world has a void without him.”

“David made my life better. From my initial conversations with him as a substitute teacher, I knew he looked at learning and schooling differently. His tremendous curiousity was contagious. I loved spending time with him and plotting the educational experiences for students we did. I will miss him and am so sorry for your loss.”

“Growing up I always looked up to David and loved spending time with him. He will be greatly missed.”

“I am very sorry for your loss. I was extremely privileged to have David as a student teacher for 8 weeks at Gilbert High School. I think that he taught me more than he learned in my classroom. He had such a zest for life, such a passion for the students and helping them understand the importance of history and good solid research. He was kind and compassionate! Thank you for allowing me the time to know him.”

“David was always larger than life and tackled life with humor, humility, and kindness. A natural leader, and soundly popular, he made a point of inclusivity, when we probably didn’t know what it was, but recognized its rightness. HIs big grin when he would see me and say, ‘Hey cuz,’ always made me feel special. Let’s keep his light shining! Condolences to all who loved him. Do the right thing in his honor.”

“David was a good friend whose exuded warmth and friendship. He was so proud of being from Tennessee and never failed to find a Tennessee connection in.. everything. A great Democrat with an insatiable curiosity. Sometimes he could over talk an issue.. but who doesn’t need to know more about obscure rock bands from “the haller”? The last few years David and I reconnected in Iowa.. not a place I expected to see him. We became good personal and political friends. We played bad golf together! I will miss him. RIP David”

“David was one of a kind and I am so glad I got to be his cousin 😄 Although we didn’t see eachother as often as I would’ve liked, our times together with the rest of our family are memories I will treasure always! I will miss his smile and wit and how he reminded me more and more of Uncle Stacey as he got older! David really was the coolest of cool cats 😎”

“Thinking of all during this time. Much love.”

“I first met David when he was a new hire on Sen Al Gore’s staff in 1987, I think. He was receptionist but already engaged in the telecom issues of the day. As I had a contract with the Senate Rules Committee, he was a contact to help Sen Gore understand the trade-offs of the decision to be made. I vividly remember his curiosity and insights. The relationship grew, as he and I both became part of the cadre of Tennesseans who worked on the ‘88 Gore campaign—a time and set of relationships that are lifelong. This is truly a sad time for those who have lost a dear friend, loved one and family member. My heart aches for you as you grieve this loss. I hope you can feel supported by the many who cared & cherished David from afar and realize that his Spirit will always be with you, his love never dies and together you move forward in this life enriched by his presence in yours. Peace be with each of you.”

“Our hearts broke with the news of David’s sudden passing. He was easily loved by all of us and will be deeply missed. Sending comforting thoughts and prayer to David’s family as you navigate through this oh so difficult time.”

“We were so sorry to hear of David’s passing. He never met a stranger. He could talk on any subject and you could never get lost when he was with you. His memory of maps of cities was amazing. Thank you David for the joy you brought to so many people. You will be missed.”

“Prayers for all David’s family. I have not seen David in a while and it was such a shock. David was such a good friend. When he along with another couple friends shared living in my house, we had such great times. David was the one that came up with the idea of the Setky Letsy tee shirts to promote my pharmacy, the Medicine Chest. We were small and the slogan was Small enough to know you, large enough to serve you. I remember we did get called to Stacy’s office once when we came up with what was unwittingly essentially a raffle that was not legal and advertised it. Needless to say, that got pulled quickly! Also, I remember after Chrystal and I married, we went to Washington when David was there. David was house-sitting for the Gores, so we visited him there. These are just examples of a lot of fond memories of David. He will be truly missed.”

“To David Mott’s family our sincere condolences to you all. David was a great guy. To Lori we are so very sorry. Prayers to you all.”

“Being one of Betsy’s friends and close in age to David, he was the big brother who was always around. He was always kind and funny! He remained that way every time I saw him even as adults.”

“Miss my friend, sorry for your loss. You all have done a wonderful job with this service and website, we thank you.”

“Love and condolences to Lori, Betsy, Jim, Melinda and the entire family. I told Betsy that David was one of two guys who immediately made me feel welcomed when I moved to Cookeville prior to 8th grade. He was older, and I looked up to him, but felt like we were kindred spirits. Rode bikes all over town: WHUB, my uncle’s barbershop for a Nehi, stopping at Tech’s gym for hours of basketball, then on to Ralph’s and other spots. Music was big for us. I remember listening to ELO too loud in the basement of the Motts’ always-open door house. The memories keep coming: riding around on a December day with me, David and Katie Rose listening to “Mandy” by Barry Manilow; scheming to get the attention of the girls we liked; and the way he sometimes would lean back and smile when he liked what I or someone else said. We stayed in touch through college and it was always fun to find him at Harry’s store talking politics. He had that smile and, of course, a laugh that he often uncorked while leaning back a bit. When we re-connected, it was a joy to get an email from him or read his response to some of the others in our group. It’s quite evident from seeing comments from others that David’s positive nature and genuine interest in others and making the world better carried on throughout his life.”

“I met David as a sub at Ames High and was so impressed with his energy, passion, and kindness. Our relationship grew through a couple different educational adventures. He was just coming full circle in his educational journey. I miss him.”

“I was so shocked to hear of David’s totally unexpected passing. I am one of his next-door neighbors. In my now and then conversations with him it didn’t take long to pick up that he had many interests, was excited about life, and was caring and thoughtful. My heart goes out to Lori, family and friends. My prayers are with you. He will be greatly missed.”

“We lost a true gentleman, gentle man and tremendous friend when we lost David. I never had an exchange with David without feeling uplifted by his positive spirit. Our days in D.C. and Crystal City were enhanced by his intelligence and good cheer. He was a true Tennessee treasure. My love and best wishes to Lori and to all his family and friends.”

“David left us all far too early and he will be greatly missed. Our sincere condolences to his family. As a life long acquaintance and friend I always had a lot of fun catching up with David when he was in town. He seemed to be perpetually happy which is a trait I wish more of us could share. RIP David.”

“I was fortunate to get to know David during the 1988 Gore for President campaign. It was a special and formative experience for many of us. Even though I see few friends from that time on a regular basis now, we share a lifelong connection. David is one of the people who made that time so special for me. He was fun and funny; adventurous and mischievous; passionate and dedicated; good-natured and well-meaning; bursting with energy and enthusiasm. He was just a good, down-to-earth, and caring person. He was a true friend to this Connecticut Yankee trying to fit in with a pack of Tennesseans — a wonderful and welcoming pack made more so because of David. Although we haven’t kept in touch through the years, I still feel the bond with him and with Lori and with many of you with whom we shared that experience — and I feel this loss acutely. Thank you for being a part of my life, David Mott.”

“David was such a wonderfully warm and caring person. I was proud to consider him a good friend in high school. I lost touch with him after we graduated but thought of him fondly many times over the years. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his sudden passing. My condolences to all family and friends. The world is a darker place without him in it. Rest in peace, sweet friend!”

“We knew David through his officiating of Sarah and Chris’ wedding, and Sarah’s memories of him, but are thankful for being able to be a witness to his love of family and bright spirit at the wedding. We’re are sorry for your loss, and will be keeping you in our thoughts.”

“One of my favorite memories of David happened on the day my twin boys were born. It was late July 2002, and we had kept their names a secret for 8 months! When the babies arrived by emergency c-secition, I called David first to tell him our plans to name one of the boys after him! He was completely taken aback and he dropped his phone...utterly speechless for one of the only times in his life. Not only did David get a namesake that day, he also had the unique honor of choosing which name would go with which brother! I told him that one baby had a crown full of thick, dark hair, and brown eyes, and the other one had a small amount of blonde hair and bright blue eyes (like David). He laughingly said, “Well, go ahead and make me the one with no hair...because if he’s like me, that’s how he’ll wind up someday anyway!” My son David is now 18 and he has some mighty large shoes to fill. My beloved, amazing brother’s name lives on through his nephew, and the name means even more to me now than it did on that day in 2002.”

“Thank you to everyone who uses this website to share a memory of our beloved brother, partner and friend. Your stories and photos will brighten our days as we try to process this devastating loss.”

“My deepest condolences to Lori and all of David’s family.”

“David was a true joy to be around - smart, funny, fun, passionate, and just a damn good guy. I will certainly miss him, and know that so many will too. Sending all my love and prayers to his family and friends for this loss.”

“David was one of the rare people who was loved unconditionally. He always had a story, a joke, a song or a favorite menu. He loved Lori and their life together. Our hearts are broken but his love of life will pull us all through these darkest days.”

“David always had a kind word or interesting story to share with me in the hallways of Ames High School. I worked with David as a fellow substitute teacher and he seemed to brighten everyone’s day with a smile. He formed relationships with his co-workers that made a person think about what is most important in life. He was a rock and someone you could always rely on. It is an honor to know David, as he makes everyone better in their own way. David was so insightful and intelligent and I will miss my friend.”

“My deepest condolences to all who love and miss David during this trying time. He was truly one of the most intelligent, gracious people I have ever met. If ever I had a question about a song I had heard or a guitar I was wondering about, I knew just who to call. I will always be grateful for the conversations we had and the advice he gave. I will carry it with me forever.”

“We are very sorry to hear of David’s passing. We loved David and enjoyed many fun days together in the 1990’s in Democratic politics and hanging out together in DC. We will always remember his passion. He was a happy warrior for the causes dear to his heart.”

“We are deeply saddened by David’s passing. I was one of countless friends from the 88 Gore campaign. I think EVERYONE from that campaign would call him a friend. Our deepest condolences to his family and all that loved David.”

“David was a good man and his presence in our lives made us better. He had a great sense of humor and took life’s twists and turns with a spirit of adventure. He also introduced me to some good music. These pictures of David smiling are the way I will remember him. He was a good man with an ample sense of humor that helped all who worked with him get through the rough patches. To Lori and the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Words just don’t work.”

“David was on a constant search for more information. No matter the geography, whether discovering every single route, alley or short cut, he stored the map. He never tired of a new subject. David was an extraordinary conversationalist with his genuine and sincere interest in what others had to say. So much more. He is missed.”

“Looking back on our high school years, the thing that stands out to me (among many) were his smile and gentle kind demeanor. To the family, you are in my prayers for comfort and peace.”

“David will always be remembered as a Great Guy and friend. From Cookeville High Class of 1977”

“I first met David when I traveled to DC as a 19 year old to see my aunt Lori and she introduced me to her new “friend”. Over the past 25 years I had the honor of getting to know him well. It felt like I learned something every time I talked with him. He had an infectious spirit and was truly a wonderful guy. My family and I will miss him deeply.”

“Lynn and I were so saddened to learn of David’s passing. We pray daily for Gods to bless you with His peace and comfort.”

“Dave was my best friend and my primary inspiration in life. We met in Washington in 1989 and stayed in contact literally almost every day since then. Dave had a unique way of seeking out knowledge and translating that into an ever evolving playlist of music and vision on how life should be. He reminded us all about what is really important always with an optimistic view of the future. We are all the beneficiaries of his kindness, loyalty and the immeasurable impact he had on our lives. His memory will continue to be a guiding and grounding force for the rest of my life. Thank you, my brother. ”

“David was one of the “special” people. No matter the subject he had the most interesting points. Not only smart but just a good guy. He treated Mar with caring and respect we will miss him. ”

“My deepest condolences to David’s family and all those that this special man came across in life. We all know how great Dave was and how wonderful it was to talk with Dave.”

“Rob and I send our deepest condolences to Lori and David’s family. I was so fortunate to get to know David during Al Gore’s presidential campaign, and more recently, looked forward to dinners with David and Lori during annual summer visits to Des Moines. I admired David’s intelligence, wry sense of humor and exceptional warmth. I know that Lori and David’s family will be comforted by a lifetime’s worth of wonderful memories.”

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“I have wonderful memories of David as the young man I see in these photos. I also have memories of Betty and her family (the Birdwells).”

“Gone too soon, David was a gem of a guy! I know you are heartbroken, please accept my deepest sympathy. The world is a better place because of him and his legacy.”

“I met David and Lori through the Story County Democrats, although this happened at the local community radio station one day in 2012. So David and I were chatting and he must have noticed I was holding my sunglasses in one of my hands. At that point he suggested storing them on my forehead, and I have since then. Fast forward a few months at a Dem function, he saw me and commented that I looked like someone from Hollywood wearing my sunglasses that way. We must have chuckled. That little piece of memory will always be how I remember David by.”

“So sorry to hear of David’s passing. The Mott family has always held a special place in my heart and I pray for God’s comfort for you all.”

“I am so very sorry for your loss of David. David was a brilliant man and had a passion for education! I was honored to work with and know David through The Community Academy. David had insight and a wonderful perspective he shared with all of us. It was an honor to go on the January field trip with David and others, to learn more about shaping education! I am grateful to have know David.”

“David’s contributions to all he ever touched are permanent. His death does not alter that or his love for so many people he touched, especially the wonderful Lori.”

“My prayers and love are with you all ❤️”

“I am shocked and greatly saddened by the news of David’s death. I enjoyed so many times with David as his history teacher and with his work in student government. My deepest sympathy and respect goes out to the Mott family - one of Cookeville’s finest.”

“I’ve known David and his family my entire life. He is one of those rare guys, who walked with sunshine in his eyes, making everything brighter for all those he made contact with. My love to his family and friends. I’m blessed to be his friend.”

“When I think of David, I think of the kid who always had a smile on his face, and who brought a brightness and energy everywhere he went. I got to know David when he, his brother, Jim, and I all worked at WHUB. When David went to work in politics, I knew he would go far. Although I have seen him only twice since we reached adulthood (at the funerals for his parents), it was clear that his energy and character were still that of the boy I remember. Further evidence of that lies in the plans he was making for the remainder of his work life. My husband and I send condolences to Lori, as well as to Jim, Betsy, Melinda and all the Motts, Gallihers, Leftwiches, Birdwells and other relatives who join his friends in mourning David’s passing. Stacey and Betty and their children have all played a part in my life, and I hold each one close to my heart. Jim, Deb, Betsy and Melinda…please know that I have been thinking of you ever since David passed…and will continue to pray for your peace and comfort as we all move forward.”