Elmer L. Otto, 92, of Seymour died at his home on Saturday, October 7, 2017.

Born May 5, 1925, in Thompsonville, Michigan, he was the son of Elmer and Clarabelle Myatt Otto, both of whom preceded him in death. Elmer graduated from Highland Park High School in 1943 and immediately enlisted in the Army Air Corp.

During World War II, Elmer served in the South Pacific as a tail-gunner in B25’s. While he was stationed at Freeman Field Air Force Base, he met Irene K. Otting and they were married on October 20, 1946.

Elmer’s military service took Elmer and his wife to Rislup, England, where their son, Stephen Otto, was born. Elmer and his family moved every few years with his military career, but they moved back to Seymour in 1965 after he retired following 21 years of military service.

Elmer’s varied career opportunities continued with his employment as an agent for Allstate Insurance; Arvin Industries as a customer service representation; as a private investigator for Montgomery, Elsner & Pardieck, Attorneys-at-Law; and as a security chief for Pinellas Square Mall in St. Petersburg, FL.

Elmer was a 69 year member of Trinity United Methodist Church, Seymour and had served on several committees. He was a member of the American Legion, Post #1925 and the Veterans of Foreign War.

Survivors include his wife of nearly 71 years, Irene Otto; their son and daughter-in-law, Steve and Vicki Otto; his “2nd” son and daughter, Joe (Kim) Traylor and Susan ZeBell; several nieces and nephews by marriage, including: Betty ZeBell, Luceil Lush, Dale (Judy) Wichman, Carol (David) Fox, Richard (Barbara) Antrim; and numerous great-nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother, Fred Otto; his grandchild, Katherine “Kati” Otto; his cousin, Cora Hosburgh; and a niece and nephew by marriage, Phyllis Heiman and Ronnie Shoemaker.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday at 2:00 pm at Voss & Sons Funeral Home, Seymour, with Rev. Michael J. Seaney and Rev. Doug Heiman officiating. Burial will be at Riverview Cemetery immediately following the service. Military honors will be performed by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post
1925, American Legion Post 89, Disabled Veterans 47, Korean and Vietnam Veterans, all of Seymour.

Visitation will be at Voss & Sons Funeral Service on Wednesday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 p.m.

Memorials may be written to: Trinity United Methodist Church or American Heart Association, in care of Voss & Sons Funeral Service.

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