More detail on this person: Retired Lt. Col. Robert F. Ott, of Henderson, passed away Dec. 25, 2013. Bob was born April 19, 1937, in Cincinnati, and attended Archbishop Elder High School. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Cincinnati at age 19. He originally joined the U.S. Navy to become a naval aviator, but while attending flight school transferred into the U.S. Marine Corps to become a helicopter pilot. He graduated as a second lieutenant in 1958, not yet 21 years old. He served 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps as a naval aviator and naval intelligence officer. A graduate of the Naval War College, he also earned two masters degrees from the University of Maryland. Bob amassed over 4000 flight-hours in the H-34, CH-46, A-4 and F-4 aircraft. He earned the Bronze Star with Valor, 10 Air medals along with many other distinguished awards. As a young lieutenant, he was part of the task force that was on the one-hour alert to invade Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He then served three tours in Vietnam before heading to Headquarters Marine Corps in Washington, D.C. After the U.S. Marine Corps, he continued to serve, but this time as the senior Marine instructor for the Basic High School Marine JROTC program. Along with a great team, he was able to help build a foundation for the program to grow and guided it to multiple national championships. More than a teacher, Bob mentored many students, taught life lessons and, to many, was a second father. He served his community while on the Henderson Parks and Recreation board for many years as Henderson grew through the 1980's and '90's. He also served on the American Cancer Society Board of Southern Nevada for several years. Bob was actively involved with his parish at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, and served as a grand knight of the Knights of Columbus. Lt. Col. Ott was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Ott and Betty Ott Monahan; and son, Robert Jeffrey Ott of Cincinnati. He is survived by his loving wife, of 49 years, Patricia; sons, Robert Patrick and Eric Ott; daughter-in-law, Celina Ott; and four grandchildren, Kurtis, Casey, Makaela, and Garrett, all of Henderson. Bob is also survived by his brother, Jack Monahan; and sisters, Pat Barnett, Gayle Owens, and Janet Hacker, all of Cincinnati. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Palm Mortuary, 800 S. Boulder Highway, Henderson. Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31, at St Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 204 Boulder Highway, Henderson. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family has requested donations be made to the American Cancer Society of Southern Nevada.
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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