Billy Gene Motes, 82, of Canadian, passed away Monday, February 16, 2026, at his home.  He was born on December 19, 1943, in McAlester, Oklahoma to Jefferson and Lillie Mae (Reed) Motes.  Growing up, he excelled in everything he did.  After graduating high school, he attended Northeastern State University, where he studied chemistry and mathematics.  There he met and married Beppy Sue Trimble. Together they had three children: Lisa Catherine, Julie Michele, and Matthew Jefferson.

Bill achieved great success in his career.  He worked at Conoco Oil in Ponca City, Oklahoma, before moving his family to Idaho Falls, Idaho, where he worked for Idaho National Laboratory.  While there, his work took him all over the world, from Three Mile Island to multiple trips to the Soviet Union.  Even with his career success, he considered his greatest accomplishment to be his children.

In Idaho, he discovered his love for fly fishing, camping, and hunting.  Many weekends were spent camping, fly fishing, or snow skiing throughout Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming.

After retirement, Bill moved back to Oklahoma, where he lived on Lake Eufaula.  He enjoyed his days around the lake fishing, working on small projects, or driving his dogs around in the golf cart.

He is survived by his children, Lisa Greer (Jason), Julie Motes, and Matthew Motes (Theresa), his seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at his home on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 1 p.m.