John David “JD” LaMothe, 81, of Brookston, passed away at 7:00 a.m. Monday, October 4, 2021 at IU Arnett Hospital of Lafayette.

  JD was born August 28, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois to the late David J. and Elvy A. (Osterlund) LaMothe. 

  JD was a 1958 graduate of Lafayette Central Catholic.  In 1962, JD graduated from Purdue University with a BS in Pharmacy.  He also received his ROTC US Army commission at this time.  In 1964, JD earned a MS in Pharmacy from Purdue and then went on to receive a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 1968.

JD spent 30 years in the Army achieving the rank of Colonel. During his military career, he served as a chemist and a pharmacist at the Medical Research Labs at Edgewood Arsenal, MD, Deputy Director of Medical Intelligence and Information, in Washington DC, Research Development Coordinator at U.S. Medical Research and Development Command in Washington, DC, Deputy Commander for Medical Research and Development Command at Ft. Detrick, MD, and finally as Deputy Commander for Aeromedical Research at USAARL at Ft. Rucker, AL.  He also served from 1972-1973 with Central Intelligence Agency and served on RAH-66 Comanche (Stealth Armed Reconnaissance and Attack Helicopter) Team from 1991-1992. He retired from active duty in 1992.

After retiring from the military, he worked as a pharmacist at Holden Pharmacy in Brookston, IN and CVS Pharmacy.  After he retired as a pharmacist, he drove vehicles for Bartlett Ford in Brookston, IN.

He was a member of Phi Kappa Theta, Pershing Rifles, Sigma Xi, and Kappa Psi while at Purdue University.  He was also a member of the American Legion, Association of Military Surgeons and the Lion’s Club.

On April 7, 1978, JD married the love of his life, Janet Kennedy; she survives.

  JD enjoyed his daily crossword puzzles and racing Janet to see who could finish first; his sister, Michele, would send the crossword from the Chicago papers weekly for him to enjoy as well.  JD was a HUGE scratch off lottery fan, often saying “I missed it by one”. 

  JD was a big Purdue University fan as well as the Washington Redskins, the Chicago Cubs, and a former Indianapolis Colts season ticket holder.  JD also enjoyed Indy Car racing and would contribute his observations to several newspapers. 

  Surviving with his wife Janet are his children, Michael J. LaMothe (wife: Kimberly) of Herndon, VA, Genelle D. Frizzelle of Richmond, VA, Annette N. Strasbaugh of Sterling, VA and Michelle E. Mathias (husband: Chris) of Brookston; and two sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Finley (husband: Tom) of TN and Ellen Michele LaMothe of Chicago, IL.  JD loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, William, Madison, Audrey, Gretchen, Maximus and Keira. 

  JD is preceded in death by his parents.

  Friends may call from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Hartzler-Clapper Funeral Home of Brookston.  Funeral services to be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 8, 2021 also at the funeral home, Rev. Dennis Faker to officiate.  Interment to follow in the Brookston IOOF Cemetery with Military Rites performed by the US Army.