WILLIAM R. "BILL" OTIS

1942 - 2021

WILLIAM "BILL" R. OTIS, 78, of Fort Wayne, formerly of Ossian, passed away Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021, at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Born Dec. 5, 1942, in Hicks -ville, Ohio, he was a son of the late Robert and Jenelle Eleanore (Miller) Otis. He retired after 32 years as a machinist from JB Tool Die & Engineering, Inc. and then helped with maintenance and grounds at Canterbury Schools for five years. He was known by his family and friends as a man who loved deeply and was a true gentleman. Bill was a member of Pathway Community Church and loved the Lord with all of his heart above all else. He is survived by his family, including his wife of 46 years, whom Bill cherished, Sandy (Bauermeister) Otis of Fort Wayne; children, Melissa (Sean) Schwartz of Fort Wayne, Shane Otis of Zionsville, Ind., Matthew (Hui) Otis of Springfield, Mo., James (Christina) Otis of Hoagland, Bill Otis, Jr. of Texas, and Tammi; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and siblings, Larry Otis, Geraldine Bailey, Lauren Otis, Teresa Rust, Gary Otis, Estella Paugh, Eugene Otis, Cindy Favory, Penny Frazier, Peggy Bunt, and Tim Otis. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Jim Otis and Ed Otis. Funeral Service is 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 4, 2021, at Elzey-Patterson-Rodak Funeral Home, 120 W. Mill St., Ossian (IN 46777), with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Contributions in Bill's memory may be made to Pathway Community Church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Otis family may be shared at www.elzey-patterson-rodak.com