Galen L. Mote, 88, of Topeka, Kansas passed peacefully on January 22, 2026 at Shawnee PARC. He was the son of the late Joseph C. Mote and Leah E. Mote of Maple Hill, Kansas, and the father of Richard J. Mote of Topeka, Kansas.

Galen was an avid baseball player in his youth, progressing as far as the Brooklyn (now L.A.) Dodgers’ minor league teams in the 1956-57 seasons before returning to Kansas to attend college at Washburn University, where he lettered in basketball and graduated with a B.A. in Education. He then joined the Army, serving in the Army Security Agency stationed in the Phillipines from 1961-63. After his discharge, he married Nancy R. Mote (nee Pfeiffer) and enrolled in Fort Hayes University, graduating with a M.Sc. In Physical Education.

Galen and Nancy moved frequently, following his coaching jobs at high schools in Netawaka, Ellis, and Pratt, along with their son Richard, who was born in 1968. Galen then settled into an assistant basketball coaching position at Washburn University for several years, before moving to Chanute, Kansas to take a head basketball coaching position at Neosho County Community College, at which he worked until 1984.

Galen then embarked on a new career path as the owner of Mote Retail Liquor, until his retirement in 2005. After retirement, he kept busy with a variety of interests, including studying the breeding and lineage of thoroughbred racehorses.

He will be remembered as a man of strong convictions and purpose, a staunch friend, and a caring parent.

Galen is predeceased by his parents, Joseph (d 1983) and Leah (d 2005) and his longtime companion, Mary Jones (d 2013).

Galen is survived by his first wife, Nancy, and his son, Richard.

A memorial gathering with the rendering of military honors will take place from 1:00-2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Mount Hope Cemetery Chapel, 4700 SW 17th St., Topeka KS 66604. Interment will follow in Mt. Hope Cemetery.