David E. ‘Snapper’ Mettille

OTTAWA — David E. "Snapper" Mettille, 75, of Ottawa, passed away Sunday, May 27, at his home.

Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 3, at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. prior to services Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be at a later date in St. Columba Cemetery.

David was born May 26, 1943, in Ottawa, to Francis and Mary Katherine (Furr) Mettille.

David attended Marseilles and Ottawa high schools. He worked in various trades and retired as a Union Steward from the Teamsters Local 727.

He was a true Democrat, and if you knew him, you certainly were aware of his political position, always an advocate and fierce protector of the union/working rights of people.

He loved most anything with a motor, the faster the better. He raced motorcycles and stock cars, the famous "193" in that copper Chevy 292, in the central Illinois circuit. He won many races retiring with hundreds of trophies, winning the last race ever held at Mazon Speedway, a 50 lap feature, 6 cylinder. It was the fastest quarter mile track in the Midwest. Number 193, a local legend, with a huge fan base; he was an original inductee into the La Salle County Motorsports Hall of Fame.

His first date with Paulette, his wife, was a ride on a 1967 Triumph TT Special motorcycle to Santa Fe Speedway in Chicago.

He enjoyed riding Harley-Davidson's with his friends and took many trips to Sturgis, S.D. An avid outdoorsman, he loved to shoot, trap, hunt, (including a trip to the Bighorn mountains), fish, ride horses, snowmobile and snow ski, taking many ski trips out west, with Snowmass, Colo., being his favorite. He was a member of various Harley Owners Groups and the Indian Creek Protective Association/Hunt Club.

He was a genuine loyal friend, always on the ready to help, never to say no! He loved and lived for his daily meeting with coffee club friends at Jeremiah Joe.

His loyalty and love for family was second to none and he visited and helped them often, always looking forward to family gatherings. He shared his life stories and lessons; passions and knowledge with all his family, especially his grandchildren, who will sorely miss him and referred to him as Pa. He taught them many things including how to fish, shoot guns, drive cars, drive and build go-karts, fly kites and play cards! He was there to give them countless rides and was a huge fan and loved attending their many activities, including up through this previous week. He was so proud of them.

He is survived by Paulette, his wife of 50 years, who gave him the best care until he passed; two daughters, Darcy (Bill) Jost, of Dade City, Fla., and Lisa (Drew) Ferracuti, of Ottawa; one son, Daniel, of Calumet City; a son-in-law, Randy Payne; seven grandchildren, Jennifer Miskell, Miranda and Shawna Payne and Luke David, Miah, Collin and Austin Ferracuti; two great-grandchildren, Zayleigh and DeRayus; three brothers, Lawrence (Dorothy), Daniel (Lori) and Matthew (Pam) Mettille; a sister, Elizabeth; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two children, Mary Kay Payne and Tad Forber; one granddaughter, Rachel Miskell; and two siblings, Tom Mettille and Jane Nuccio.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

Memorials may be directed to the family in care of Ottawa Funeral Home.

The online guest book may be viewed and remembrances shared at ottawafuneralhome.com.

Ottawa Funeral Home & Crematory

1111 La Salle St., Ottawa, IL 61350

815-433-0300 ottawafuneralhome.com