Arthur "Gene" DeMotte

Arthur Eugene "Gene" DeMotte, 73, Topeka, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
Arthur was born in Emporia, Kansas on August 8, 1952, the son of John and Mildred Bolton DeMotte. He graduated from Emporia High School and went to Flints Hills Area Tech School. Arthur married Cindy Gallagher on March 15, 1986, in Leavenworth, Kansas. He worked as a maintenance mechanic at Newman Hospital in Emporia for 17 years and then St. Francis Hospital in Topeka for over 30 years.
Gene was an active member of Mater Dei Parish in Topeka. He came to the church in a different way than most, starting RCIA saying, "If my children are going to be Catholic then I need to understand it too." Gene never looked back, falling in love with the Church and all it held. His unwavering faith became a fundamental part of his character, shaping his and his family's future.
Exploring the outdoors on his motorcycle was his favorite pastime in his younger years, along with hunting, fishing, and spending nights under the stars. Although he did give up the bike, Gene shared his love of nature and adventure with his children. He loved fishing with his girls and was not sure what to think when his grandchildren out-fished him. He loved sitting by a bonfire searching for shooting stars and talking about whatever came to mind. Gene could fix anything and found great pleasure in handing down that knowledge to help others. From cars, plumbing, or the broken thingamabob he would find a solution.
Gene delighted in his family. He found joy simply existing in the same space as his children and grandchildren. He coached basketball for his daughters and made it to every dance recital and game, of which there were many. Gene started each day well before the sun so that he could be the one to pick up the kids from school. When asked, his daughters will tell you that they admired his resilience, hard work, sacrifice, devotion, and goofiness. Gene was meant to be a dad; he demonstrated that every day in his love and care for his children. His family is his legacy, the love that he poured out on them will bear fruit for many generations. When love approaches the infinite, words can only express that truth dimly. What cannot be spoken is shown in action, and Gene was a man of sacrifice and service, a true father.
Gene is survived by his wife, Cindy; daughters, Danielle DeMotte, Shannon Darrow (Matt), Jocelyn Field (Bruce) and Brynna DeMotte; grandchildren, Avery, Harvey, Calvin and Myles Field and Colette and Lachlan Darrow; and siblings, John DeMotte (Linda), Don DeMotte (Charlotte), Jim DeMotte (Sharon), and Juanita Roy (Bill). He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation will be 5 to 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, where the rosary will be prayed at 6:30 p.m.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Mater Dei Holy Name Catholic Church, 1114 SW 10th, Topeka KS 66604. Private burial will be in St. Joseph of The Valley Catholic Cemetery, Easton, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mater Dei Catholic School Student Scholarship Fund and sent in care of the funeral home. Condolences may be sent online at www.kevinbrennanfamily.com.