He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Corbell, of Fort Smith, AR; his son, Michael Corbell (Lori) of Shreveport, LA; his daughter, Donna Stanton (Pat) of Fort Smith, AR; seven grandchildren, Justin Corbell (Sallye), Jacob Corbell (Leigh), Jarred Corbell (Katie), Mary Corbell, Colin Stanton (Marla), Cody Stanton (Meredith) and Loren Layton (Destin) and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, Grover Corbell (Sue), Shirley Lea (Jess), Linda Brock (Jim), Barbara Matsoukas (Nick) as well as several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ross Corbell; his mother, Jewell Corbell; and his brother, J. T. Corbell.
Otis was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather and a true friend to many. He had a strong love for his family, especially his wife Kathleen whom he earlier this month celebrated 68 years of marriage. It was love at first sight for them when they met at the young ages of 12 and 13. Their lasting marriage was a testimony of true love.
Otis was a patriot who had a passion for his country. He joined the U.S. Army at the age of 19 and served with honor and distinction as a Sergeant Major. He was awarded the Korean Service Medal with 2 Bronze Campaign Stars and the Distinguished Unit Citation. Otis was selected as Soldier of the Year and represented the State of Arkansas in Washington, D.C. He had the privilege and honor of marching down Pennsylvania Avenue as well as being at the Korean War Veterans Memorial Dedication.
Otis walked by faith in God throughout his life. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ and was a faithful servant of his church, serving for 21 years as a deacon at First Baptist Church in Delaware, AR where he also helped organize the Church in a Day Program. In his recent years he was a member of First Baptist church in Van Buren, AR.
Otis enjoyed fishing, hunting, woodworking, devoting time to his community and helping others. He was instrumental in the establishment of the St. Edwards Hospital in Logan County and served on its Board of Directors. He was instrumental in the establishment of the Fire Department in New Blaine, AR. He helped establish the Tri County Regional Water Distribution District where he served as a chairman of the Board of Directors. He was also affiliated with the United Commercial Travelers of America for 50 years and was involved with many other community organizations.
Pallbearers will be Justin, Jacob, Jarred and Mary Corbell, Colin and Cody Stanton and Loren and Destin Layton.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 21, 2018 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at Edwards Funeral Home in Fort Smith, AR. Funeral Service will be at Edwards Funeral Home Chapel at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 22, 2018 with a burial at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith at 11:00 a.m.
The family would like to thank Fianna Hills Nursing & Rehab, Home Instead Senior Care, Kindred Healthcare and Mercy Hospice for their continuous compassion, love and care.
Memorials may be made to The Wounded Warriors Project or Arkansas Children’s Hospital-Little Rock.
Online condolences may be sent to www.edwardsfuneralhome.com
