County Democratic chair Motley dies

By Libby Cluett
lcluett@mineralwellsindex.com

Some will miss Herman Motley’s smile or the sparkle in his eye, others will miss his spirit and enthusiasm; but when he lost his battle with cancer Sunday, all of Mineral Wells lost a community supporter who seemed to have room in his heart for all.

Whether one encountered him locally at a Democratic function, serving as the Palo Pinto County Democratic Chair, or passed him on the street while collecting coins for the Shriner’s hospital fund drive, people saw the same benevolent man who many characterized as active in the community in diverse ways.

“What I will remember most about Herman is that he had a big heart,” said Palo Pinto County Judge Mike Smiddy. “He was involved in countless projects working tirelessly over the years benefiting the Shriners, the merchant’s association and always Palo Pinto County Democrats.”

“No one could have asked for a better friend,” Smiddy added. “I will miss Herman and I know he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.”

“Herman was very active in the Mineral Wells Merchant’s Association. He was always going out to recruit people for the association. I never knew him to miss a meeting, “ recalled Dennis Bradshaw.

He said Motley was “the backbone of the Merchants Association ‘Jail-and-Bail’” fundraiser, which takes place during the Mineral Wells Rodeo.

Bradshaw said Herman and Mary Motley also “were always there to set and repair the Christmas lights and decorations” displayed along the streets throughout the town.

Motley was an active member of the Masons and its many orders and charities, including serving as a local president and on the Executive Committee for the Scottish Rite Foundation and on the board of trustees for the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital For Crippled Children in Dallas, according to Sonny Tull, General Secretary for Fort Worth Scottish Rite.

“Herman was an over 50-year member of the Scottish Rite [a branch of the Masons]. He was a big supporter of the hospital [in Dallas],” said Tull. He added that Motley was very involved in fundraising for the hospital and foundation, which also provided scholarships for graduating high school seniors.

“He was such a super guy, I never did hear him talk badly about anybody. The Scottish Rite will miss his service greatly,” said Tull.

As Palo Pinto County Republican Party Chair, Barbara Upham knows what a big job it is, including but not limited to overseeing the primary election. “Herman did the big job in the county,” she noted of his chairing the Palo Pinto County Democratic Party.

“It takes that extra commitment, dedication and conviction to make the county a better place. I so admired Herman and Mary – that’s something you volunteer to do and it takes a person who cares,” she said.

“We always worked well together and we got along great.” Upham said. “I had the utmost admiration and respect for him; he was a neat guy,” she said. “His is a big loss for the community because he contributed so much in so many different areas.”

“He loved the town,” said Chris Motley.

He added that his father had two more loves – fast-pitch softball and horses.

Then there were the ponies. Motley bred, owned and raced thoroughbreds over the past decades.

Chris Motley said he recalled accompanying his father to the thoroughbred yearling auction in Fort Worth in the early 1990s, when he bought the filly Joanie’s Lace.

“She was his first big thoroughbred,” he said of this mare, who would later foal Miss Photogenic. In 2001 “Photo” become the Texas Three-Year-Old Filly of the Year after six wins and two seconds in 10 starts – an unrealized dream for many breeders and owners.

When someone would ask Motley about “Photo,” his smile would grow and his eyes would sparkle.

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