Arthur Phillip “Otts”

Born to the late Charles Elmer and Helen Naoma (nee Nash) Knipple in Baltimore, MD. The youngest of 5 children, he was preceded in death by his parents, brother James (Jackie) Knipple, and sister Lucinda (late James) McFillin. He is survived by his two older sisters Clara Blacksten (late Bob), and M. Elizabeth Kerbe (late Jay); his beloved nieces Lori Ann (Ted) Darmafall, Kelley (Lee) Anders, Kimberly (Jon) Foote; beloved great nieces Heidi Darmafall, Erin and Freya Anders; beloved nephews Ron (late Julie) and Jeff (Laura) McFillin, James (Stacy) Knipple; daughter Laura Lease. He also leaves behind many other great nieces and nephews that he loved dearly. Otts attended Southern High School and then went into the United States Marine Corp upon graduation. He was discharged due to a heart murmur. Otts later became an EMT and volunteer firefighter, always listening to the police scanner for first responder activity. Otts later worked with his best friend, John Thursby who he met through firefighting, in John's lawn care company. He also spent some time working as an electrician. Otts loved to laugh and was quite the ornery prankster. No one was safe from a sneak attack. He could do a mean polka and once won a twist contest partnering up with his sister, Clara. He was always good for a joke or joining you for a beer.