Lewin Leo "Big O" Otte

Lewin Leo "Big O" Otte, 88, of Interlachen, Florida, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at the Malcom Randall VA Hospital in Gainesville, FL.
Born on February 18, 1937, in Balch, Arkansas, he lived a life marked by hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for his family and community.?Lewin had a diverse and industrious career, working at Wabash Fibre Box, for 42 1/2 years until he retired. He also worked at Azar's Food Market, Couch's Greenhouse, General Motors, and as a bus driver for Vigo County Schools. He was also a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating Big O's Northside Auto Sales in Terre Haute, Indiana, and Interlachen, FL. Additionally, he ran Big O's Country Store in Libertyville, IN. His passion for sports led him to establish Big O's Northside Ballpark, where he introduced fast-pitch overhand softball.?A proud veteran, Lewin served in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1962 as an active-duty tanker and continued his service in the Army Reserve until 1966. Rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant, he was honored with a Good Conduct Medal for his dedication and service to his country.?Lewin found joy in life's simple pleasures. He cherished time spent with his family and had a deep love for watching westerns and sports. He enjoyed attending auto auctions and had a knack for fishing, often creating unique fishing rigs. A passionate writer, he spent time documenting his thoughts in his book. He also loved attending family reunions and had a history of coaching at the Boys Club and officiating youth sports. In his younger years, he played underhand fast-pitch softball.?Known for his infectious humor and kind heart, Lewin never met a stranger. His fun-loving nature and strong will made him a cherished presence in the lives of those who knew him. He was famous for his unique expressions such as "Say it ain't so," "Your bread ain't done," and "Jump out of it." His honesty, loyalty to family, and unwavering work ethic left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.??
Lewin was of Baptist faith and attended Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Terre Town for many years. His faith was a guiding force in his life.
He was preceded in death by his infant son; parents, Herman and Mandie Irene Otte; siblings, Ruby Adkins, Elsie Cross, Leroy Otte, Orval Ernest Otte, Bonita Depree, Mildred Shriner, and Cleve Otte Sr.; as well as great-grandchildren, David Sandifer, Alyana Sandifer, Mary Sandifer, and David Lacey.?He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Otte; his sister, Barbara McAlister (Raymond); his children, David Otte (Mary), Louann Archer (Steve), Anita Webb (Marty), and April Harlow (John); as well as numerous grandchildren including Sabrina Sandifer (Robert), Charish Otte, Vicki Otte, Niki Otte, Jeremiah Brys (Kelly), Lindsay Babcock (Bryan), John Halter, Cody Archer, Angel Archer, Kassandra Parrish (Samuel), Kelsea Rogers, and Casey Halter; 18 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.?A visitation was held on April 2, 2025, from 4–7 p.m. at Greiner Funeral Home in Terre Haute, IN. A funeral service followed on April 3, 2025, at 11 a.m. at the same location. Burial was in the Highland Lawn Cemetery in Haute, IN.?Lewin Leo "Big O" Otte will be deeply missed but forever remembered by those who loved him. His legacy of kindness, strength, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Messages of sympathy may be shared on Lewin's online tribute page at www.themastersfuneralhome.com.
Masters Funeral Home of Palatka, FL is in charge of local arrangements. 
Greiner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements in Terre Haute, IN.