David E. Mettille

David E. "Snapper" Mettille, 75, of Ottawa, Illinois passed away Sunday, May 27, 2018 at his home. Funeral Services will be held at 4 pm, Sunday, June 3 at Ottawa Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 1-4, prior to services, at the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Columba Cemetery at a later date. 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 Midwest. Number 193, a local legend, with a huge fan base; he was an original inductee into the LaSalle County Motorsports Hall of Fame. He enjoyed riding Harley Davidson's with his friends and took many trips to Sturgis, South Dakota. 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, Colorado being his favorite. He was a member of various Harley Owner's 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 J. Joe's. 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 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, FL, Lisa (Drew) Ferracuti of Ottawa, one son, Daniel of Calumet City and 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), Matthew (Pam) Mettille and a sister Elizabeth and; 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; care of Ottawa Funeral Home.