William "Bill" C. Ottman

William “Bill” Cummins Ottman was born to Raymond “Ray” and Mildred Ottman on August 27th 1943 in Louisville, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his sisters Raymie Jean Ottman and Mary Bryant, brother Richard “Dick”(Jane and Gerdi) Ottman, and niece Karen Swainston. He is survived by wife Linda, sons William Swain (Darla) and Shawn (Marie-Elena), sister Janet (Roger) Perkins, grandchildren Logan, Morgan, and Elena, nephews Alan Bryant, Ray Ottman, Scott Ottman, Kedric Perkins, Tony Weber and nieces Debra Bruner, Lori Moody, and Michelle Weber. He was baptized, confirmed, and married at Third Lutheran Church. He was a devoted husband to his loving wife for 62 years. He attended Ahrens Trade High School studying automotive repair and graduated in 1961. He began work at Durham and Wagner Transmission Company. He then became a UAW 862 member with the Ford Motor Company in 1965 at the Louisville Assembly Plant. He relocated to the Kentucky Truck Plant when it opened in 1969. He retired from Ford in 1998 after working 33+ years. Retirement allowed him to have more time to golf with family and friends. He participated in senior golf leagues at both Crescent Hill and Cherokee Golf Courses. Beginning in 1966, he raised his family in Reservoir Park in the Crescent Hil area where he was an active member in the community. When his sons were young of age, he started decorating the yard and house for both Halloween and Christmas. What started out small grew into elaborate displays of mainly hand-made decorations covering all holidays starting with Valentine’s Day and ending with Christmas. His reputation drew the attention of all forms of public media from live news broadcasts to newsprint articles. Spectators from all around the world have come to the see the “Holiday House” searching for new additions to the decorations. When Bill was asked why he decorated he would say,” I do it because of the joy and excitement it brings to the young and old who come and visit”.

Memorial donations to a charity of your choice in his name are appreciated.

A visitation for William will be held Wednesday, September 10, 2025 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Arch L. Heady-Cralle Funeral Home, 2428 Frankfort Ave, Louisville, KY 40206. A funeral service will occur at 11:00 AM Thursday, September 11, 2025 at Arch L. Heady-Cralle Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Cave Hill Cemetery.