David Lott

David Lott, 72, passed away at home in the early hours of October 30 as his wife Maureen (Manier) held his hand, listening to music he loved and introduced her to when they met in 1983, and to the song they danced to at their wedding—George Gershwin’s “Our Love is Here to Stay” sung by Ella Fitzgerald.

David, a lifelong visual artist, was born in Three Rivers Michigan, and grew up in nearby Dowagiac. He loved and will always be loved by Maureen, his son Michael Joseph Lott-Manier and daughter-in-law Aubrey Hill, and his son Jeremy Ryan Lott-Manier. He is Gramps to his incredible four-year-old granddaughter Cecilia James Manier, with whom he spent many happy times examining rocks and plants, coloring and making drawings for her, and playing “Boo.” He loved every second he spent with her and watching the daily videos and photos that Michael and Aubrey sent.

David is also survived by his sisters Sara Heuer and Susan Watson and his brother Rick. His parents Gerald Lott and Joyce LaBrash and brother Dan preceded him in death. He was fortunate to have many brothers and sisters in laws, nieces and nephews and cousins. He is also survived by his uncle, fellow artist and close friend Charles Lott, better known as Uncle Butch, with whom he enjoyed many hours long phone conversations, especially during the last two years.

David always knew he wanted to be an artist. The summer after graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force so that he could later pursue a degree in graphic design and fine arts at Moorhead State University in Minnesota. He held several graphic design positions before spending the rest of his career as a freelance designer and illustrator. While he enjoyed design, his true love was painting, whether it was an owl for Cecilia’s bedroom, the mountain scene where Michael proposed to Aubrey, a series of constructivist style paintings he and Ryan planned together for Ryan’s apartment, or something based on one of the thousands of sketches he kept in sketchbooks and every spare piece of paper that he could find. Art was where David found joy and how he expressed himself and his love for the people in his life.

If you wish to join us in honoring David’s memory, please consider a donation to the incredible art department at Herron High School. which David actively supported during its formative years, or to the Summer Reading Program at The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation, where David, an avid reader, volunteered for the book sale. Please designate that you are making your gift in memory of David Lott and name the respective program to which you’re making your gift.

A private memorial service will be held in December.