Otis M. Burgess

In loving memory Otis M. Burgess Aug. 5, 1928 - Feb.10, 2019 Otis M. Burgess peacefully passed away Sunday, February 10, 2019 at his home in Bend, Oregon. Otis was born in Stanford, Kentucky where his ancestors were among the earliest settlers. He was the tenth child of Nute and Lizzie Burgess and as a young boy worked on a 185 acre tobacco and corn farm. In 1940 he moved to Central Oregon to live with his older brother Ben and later proudly enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served from 1946 - 1950 aboard the U.S.S. Tappahannock which was commissioned to bring oil from Bahrain Arabia to ports in the Mediterranean, navigating the Suez Canal at least 30 times during his tour. He received the WWII Victory medal and also served during the Korean War. Upon returning to Redmond, Oregon, Otis started working for Kilgores Dairy and would continue to work there for 20 years. Later he started his own business, Big O Mobile Transport. He transported mobile homes across the state and was responsible for bringing almost all the homes into Snowberry Village where he lived for the last 10 years of his life. Otis enjoyed gardening, fishing, waterskiing and square dancing. It was while being a square dance caller, he met his second wife, Ella Burgess. They married on March 5, 1966 at St. Francis in Bend, Oregon. Otis was a devout member of St Francis Catholic church and served as an usher at the 7:30 Sunday mass for decades. Many may also remember his constantly smiling face while he cooked the after Sunday Mass breakfasts with the Knights of Columbus. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 50 years. He is survived by his wife, Ella, of almost 53 years and 6 children and their spouses: Terry Burgess (Merrilene) and Tony Burgess from his first marriage, Nick Skulich, Jeanne Smoldt (Don), Son-in-Law Jake Egli, Daniel Burgess (Jerry) and David Burgess (Louise). He is also survived by 9 grandchildren: Lacey Weeks (Scott), Don Smoldt, Andrew Egli, Katie Crawford (Will), Mallory Smoldt, Matt Egli, Emily Burgess and Abbey Burgess. He is preceded in death by daughter, Cindy Egli and grandson, Christopher Smoldt. A funeral Mass will be held this Saturday, February 16th at 10am at St. Francis Church on NE 27th Street with burial at Pilot Butte Cemetery following the service. Donations in Otis memory may be made to St. Vincent De Paul in Bend. He was 90 years old and a sweet and gentle soul. He will be deeply missed. Funeral Home: Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home 105 NW Irving Ave Bend, OR US 97701

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Otis M. Burgess

August 5, 1928 - February 10, 2019