Otis V. Moody

Otis Vernon Moody was born November 16, 1941, in Farmers Branch, Texas, and departed this life on July 3, 2025, in Choctaw, Oklahoma, surrounded by his beloved family and friends. He was 83 years old.

Vernon's life began under difficult circumstances. As a young boy, he was left at the end of his grandparents' driveway by his mother, who never returned. His father was largely absent, working as a painter, so Vernon was lovingly raised by his grandparents until his grandmother's passing in 1957. He then went to live with his Aunt Pernie, who helped guide him through his teenage years.

Even in his youth, Vernon was no stranger to hard work. From ages 12 to 17, he stocked shelves at Wyatt's Grocery and flipped hamburgers at local diners to help support himself. Seeking to carve out a better future, Vernon enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1958 at just 17 years old which later had to be worked out when they found out his real age. He completed basic training at Lake Charles AFB, Louisiana, and was soon stationed overseas in the Philippines, where he served as cook for the troops and later traveled as a personal cook for General William Westmoreland. Vernon was honorably discharged in 1962, earning a Good Conduct Medal for his dedicated service.

After returning stateside, Vernon worked as a Bible salesman in Dallas, Texas, a job that reflected his need for a job and his faith in God. In 1962, fate and the Air Force led him to Clearfield, Utah, where he met the love of his life, Carla Layton. They were married on August 3 that same year-a special day made even more memorable by Vernon baking their wedding cake himself and asking his mother in law to pay for the marriage certificate. He quickly bonded with Carla's family, particularly her brothers, who took him under their wing, hunting and fishing together and forming lifelong friendships.

Vernon's desire to be close to his family led him and Carla to Bowie, Texas, where he served as a deputy sheriff of Montague County. During his time as a deputy, he captured an escaped convict, but rumors that local criminals were plotting against him prompted Otis to step away from law enforcement-never wanting Carla to live in fear for his safety.

His family continued to grow with the birth of their son Raymond in 1963, and daughter Antonette Lenae (Toni) on November 6, 1966. Always striving to provide, Vernon returned to Utah, attended Weber State College to learn welding, and worked at the Naval Depot and Hill Air Force Base.

In 1970, they moved to Oklahoma to be closer to Vernon's ailing father and soon welcomed their youngest son Paul Andrew. He found a long and fulfilling career as a welder at Tinker Air Force Base, where he earned a reputation for being able to fix or fabricate anything. One of his proudest contributions was welding the Wright Flyer replica that still stands at Tinker's entrance. Otis, known by his first name, at Tinker worked there for over 25 years before retiring.

Retirement didn't slow Vernon down. Being asked by his home teacher, he began temporarily driving a van for the Harrah Senior Center, which became a long-term love of his delivering meals to homebound seniors, and volunteering tirelessly, quickly becoming a beloved friend to many in the senior community. He took up golf in retirement, finding great joy in teaching the game to his grandchildren and eagerly buying them clubs so they could play by his side. Nothing, however, brought him more happiness than time spent with family-especially his great-granddaughter Britton, who loved to sit on Papa's lap and listen to his stories.

Vernon is survived by his devoted wife Carla of nearly 63 years; his sister Beverly; his children: Raymond, Toni, and Paul; ten grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his only brother, Raymond, and his half-sister Frances.

Vernon's life was a remarkable journey of resilience, hard work, and love. He will be remembered for his quick wit, tender heart, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity and kindness.