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Francis Otto Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Francis Otto
Gene Williams
February 11, 2025
One of my most remembered mentors and preachers. His sermons were without equal and, in his mild-mannered and rich voice, packed quite a punch. I have modeled much of my own preaching on his example.
Mike Hinshaw
March 24, 2010
Two gentlemen at Mercer University have decidedly influence my thought and action. One of them was Dr. Otto. I will always be grateful to him for opening my mind and my heart. I will always remember this humble gentleman, his wonderful insight and freedom with which he shared his wisdom.
Mary Boswell
February 28, 2010
How I remember Dean Otto's chapel sermons! His sermons provided both insight and challenge. He was such an integral part of the strong academic life of Mercer.
Mary Parham Boswell '71
Vicki Johnson
February 24, 2010
It seems like it was just yesterday I was sitting in an 8:00 a.m. class getting "wired into" the theology that only could come from one of Dr. Otto's extraordinary classes. The faculty of the Christianity department in the 70's was truly enhanced to have him among their finest and most profound professors. His scholarly views and his pushing you to reach beyond the ordinary touched so many of us during our years at Mercer. His contribution to the life and theology of each of us will be the legacy of his teaching that we will share with others.
Larry and Donna Dahlborg
February 23, 2010
Dear Cousins Bruce, Linda, Julie, Chris, Karl & Elizabeth,
We are so blessed to have been able to visit with Uncle Bob and Aunt Helen over the past years while Rebekah and Andy have been in Fayetteville. They were such gracious hosts both in their home and at Plantation Suites. But our conversations and memories shared were the real treasures of our times together.
We remember Mom Nelson (Aunt Louise) telling us how much she admired her older brother and how he looked out for her as a little girl in school. Donna remembers how she looked up to him in awe as a little girl and in her mind he was on the level of Abraham Lincoln, her all time hero. Uncle Bob was so tall and wise and just reminded her of Old Abe.
We will miss our visits with Uncle Bob when we come to GA. We were looking forward to being able to visit more often when we moved to GA, but now those visits will have to wait a while. What a wonderful hope we have that we can be reunited when we meet at the feet of Jesus. Hallelujah!
We were very glad to be able to make the memorial service and found the service to be very encouraging and uplifting...just like Uncle Bob always was to us when we came.
God bless you all, Much Love and Prayers,
Larry and Donna Dahlborg :-)
henry walsh
February 19, 2010
henry walsh i am sorry about mr. otto hes with Jesus now keep your faith no mater what my mom anne walsh died to and my faith has help me and it says in all things give [email protected]
February 19, 2010
Always true to his beliefs. An inspiration to me.
Jim Branan, Class 67
Dianne Carter
February 18, 2010
An English major and Great Books "pioneer," I studied with the finest of the fine at Mercer University in the 1980s. But Dr. Otto's Old Testament class was one of the most formative I took there. He and Father John Cuddy share the credit for making me the good Catholic, Christian witness, and dedicated servant I try to be today. I thank God for his life and his career. May God comfort you now and in the days to come as you mourn his (temporary) loss.
Harold McManus, Jr
February 18, 2010
A brilliant, unique, humble Christian spirit has passed from this scene but not from the hearts of all who knew him. Quietly eloquent, but steadfast in determination to stand up for the right and, indeed, for those with no rights, Dr Otto made an idelible impression on my life during his tenure as Dean of the Chapel at Mercer University. He lived out the Gospel as surely as he preached it and thereby set an unparalleled example of what it means to follow Christ each day. He and Mrs Otto will by sorely missed.
Greg Brown
February 18, 2010
Go now, and as you go, remember. It was in the goodness of God, that you were created. It was in the providence of God, that you were brought to this very moment. And it is in the grace of God, that you are redeemed.
February 18, 2010
Go now, and as you go, remember. It was in the goodness of God that you were created. It was in the providence of God that you were brought to this very moment, and it is in the grace of God, that you redeemed.
Michael Cass
February 18, 2010
Bob was strong and gentle and humble and wise; he was always an eloquent witness to the truth. He was one of the unforgettable figures of Mercer University history. He did justice, he loved kindness, and he walked humbly with his God.
Cheryl Morgan
February 18, 2010
Dear Family of Dr. Otto,
It was our privilege to provide care for Dr. and Mrs. Otto for a number of years at Baptist Village Plantation Suites. He was a wonderful addition to our family here and will be missed.
Our heartfelt sympathy from the Residents and Staff at Baptist Village.
Theresa Rhodes
February 18, 2010
I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Otto when he graciously shared some of his books with the Tarver Library. He will be sorely missed.
Gene Williams
February 18, 2010
What a wonderful man, minister and professor. He helped shape and strengthen my faith, and I still quote to people from his sermons. Those sermons he preached in Chapel at Mercer were some of the very best...solid theology in a context anyone could understand, delivered with quiet passion and intensity. We weep; the Angels rejoice. Christ is Risen! Alleluja! Gene Williams
Walter "Buddy" Shurden
February 17, 2010
Bob Otto was what people call "a real Christian."
I am so sorry that we are of town during his memorial service.
Walter and Kay Shurden
Whitney McMath
February 17, 2010
My sincere condolences to you and your families in the death of Dr. Otto. We appreciated his being such an integral part of the emeriti faculty at Mercer University.
Nancy Greene
February 17, 2010
Dear Otto Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know you don't know me, but I feel like I know you through Dr. Bob from Plantation Suites. My Mom (Louise Robinson) is there and she's always had wonderful words of praise for Dr. Bob. He will be missed greatly as himself and for his prayers and wisdom. May God bless each of you and give you comfort and peace at this most difficult time. Please know that you are in my prayers and if there is anything I can do to make this easier for you, please let me know.
Love, Hugs, & Prayers,
Nancy Greene
Beulah Davis
February 17, 2010
Today I am sad by the loss of a dear friend, but I am looking forward to a great celebration amongst family and friends - Heaven.
Beulah Davis
Plantation Suites
Louise Robinson
February 17, 2010
Dear Otto Family,
God bless each of you and show you mercy and love during this time of sorrow. May you and your loved ones share a serene peace that Dr. Bob is with Helen in our Father's home. Prayers to each of you.
Louise H. Robinson
Plantation Suites
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