Paul G. Otten

Paul G. Otten, 92, of Jonesboro, died at 11:40 a.m. Sunday, July 5, 2015 in the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna. He was born Feb. 27, 1923 in Campbell, Illinois, the son of Henry and Louise Huch Otten. He married Virginia Williams on June 10, 1947 in Jonesboro.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Otten of Jonesboro; one son, Alan (Sheila) Otten of Altenburg, Missouri; two daughters, Paulette (Ron) Schneider of Woodlawn, Illinois, and Kathy (Jim) Livesay of Jonesboro; 10 grandchildren, Tina Otten, Paula (Glenn) Dorsey, Angie (Roger) Levan, Chad Otten, Casey (Beth) Otten, Sarah Livesay, Jacob (Sara) Livesay, Christie Ralls Craig Ralls, Jason Lilly (Ashlee); seven great grandchildren, Shelby, Roger and Jase Levan, Luke and Lauren Dorsey, Megan (Kyle) Rees, Joshua (Kelsie) Ralls; three great-great grandchildren, Kailynn and Madilynn Rees, and Anika Ralls; two sisters, Lola Edmonds of Anna, Helen Kreutz of Cape Girardeau; four sisters in law, Evelyn Otten of Anna, Betty Otten of Red Bud, Margaret (Pat) Rogers of Carbondale, and Wilma williams of Kansas City, KA; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Amos and Silas Otten; one sister, Janet Eddleman; and three brothers in law, Earl Edmonds, Leroy Eddleman and Clifford Kreutz. 

He was a lifetime member of the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Jonesboro. He served on the board and taught Sunday school. He was always diligent in making sure the church and parsonage were in good shape.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He never met a stranger. His passions in life were numerous, especially for his family, his church, farming and animals. He also had a great and deep respect for all of his many farming friends. He will be missed for his smile and big caring heart. Paul proudly served his country during WWII with the navy, serving in the Pacific.

He was full of goodness and grace. He taught us all the lesson of love, generosity of the heart, integrity and the love and goodness of God.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Illinois Veteran's Home in Anna, Hospice of Southern Illinois, and a very special thank you to Janice Daggs for being such a caring friend.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 8, 2015 in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro with Bill Littrell and Pastor Dennis Scoville officiating. Interment was in the Jonesboro Cemetery. Graveside military rites were conducted by the Carroll P. Foster Post No.3455 of the V.F.W. in Anna and the U.S. Navy Funeral Honors Burial Detail. Memorial contributions may be made to the Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church or P.A.W.S. Envelopes will be available in the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro.

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Paul G. Otten