Otha Lee "Red" Bartlett

Otha Lee “Red” Bartlett, 67 of Fort Smith, Arkansas passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2014 in a Fort Smith hospital. He was retired from the U.S. Air Force, veteran of the Vietnam War and currently employed by Sherwin Williams.

Otha graduated from Morrilton High School in 1965, the last class to graduate from the old school before it was demolished. He would tell how the class protested when it was suggested they hold ceremonies at a different location. In the end they were held in the auditorium; the protest was a success.

College would probably have followed, but the Vietnam Conflict caused a change in plans. Otha's Air Force career took him around the world from Europe to the Middle East, to Southeast China and Taiwan, and the Aleutian Islands. He, Jane, Terry, and Kyle lived in several locations in the midwest and western United States before he and Jane returned to Arkansas.

Always a hard worker and not one to be idle, Otha held various part-time and full time jobs, even while serving in the military. It was more important to him to care for others than himself. He would say he didn't learn to cook until he was 7 or 8, but once he learned he did enjoy it. He could also sew, but did not enjoy it. He was proud of the fact that as a teenager he secured a signature note at the local bank in order to buy his own pulp truck. His hard work ethic was obvious even then. He mentioned later jobs such as managing a service station, learning to drive an 18 wheeler, and working in the Accounting Office at a casino in “Big” Jackpot, Nevada.

Otha was a two time cancer survivor. In 2010 a tumor in his kidney caused him to re-evaluate his life. So he retired for the second time before surgery, quitting his job with Securitas. After recovery and not having to face chemo or radiation, he realized again he wasn't cut out to just sit around. He started working for Sherwin Williams Paint and seemed to enjoy hanging with the guys. Undoubtedly a lot of stories, including some tall tales, were told and laughs shared. Two years later he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, but after radiation he was cancer free. A few weeks ago he decided to retire for the third time and gave notice he was going to try full retirement beginning September 1.

As a truck driver, Otha often said he had seen a lot of this country but had little chance to really look at it. Traveling was what he wanted and loved to do. There was talk of a travel trailer and the wish to just go until he wanted to stop and staying there until he wanted to leave.

Otha never met a stranger and the saying, “You could talk to a rock”, was a running joke at home. He sang all the time and sometimes didn't seem to even be aware of it. People would often tell him his singing cheered them up. But for someone who sang so much, he rarely remembered the lyrics to a song. But God says make a joyful noise, but doesn't seem to care if that includes lyrics.

Otha loved his family. He enjoyed telling people about his two “little boys”, both of whom are well over 6 feet tall. He recently welcomed his 10th grandchild, one of the ten smartest and most beautiful grandchildren ever. He loved being called Grandpa and Opa. Otha and Jane were happily married for 38 years, quite an accomplishment and a testament to their commitment to each other. Two years ago Otha found another love - a Lincoln XLT pickup. It was love at first sight and it was obvious he'd never leave the lot without it. He had the opportunity to take several trips with his new love: to Cape Cod, Dallas, Springfield, Nebraska, and all over Arkansas and Oklahoma. A trip to the Gulf and one next spring out west was in the works. He always wanted to show the XLT and Debbie the beauty of dry powder snow.

About 4 ½ years ago Otha met Debbie and a new love story began. Otha's love and commitment to Jane let Debbie know this was a man of his word who was there through thick and thin. On February 10, 2014 Debbie and Otha were married in Hot Springs, AR on the fourth anniversary of their first date.

Always friendly, kind, and generous, Otha knew all the neighbors and was willing to help anyone at anytime. He touched many and his leaving will leave a void in the lives of the ones who loved them. Quirky, one of a kind, always upbeat, never angry - terms and qualities remembered by those close to him.

Go Rest High

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Memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, August 8, 2014 at the McConnell Funeral Home Chapel with inurnment at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Tuesday, August 5 from 5 – 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah; a son, Terry Bartlett of Fort Smith and fiancée, Joanna Hays and his children, Terry of Missouri, Autumn and Saige both of Salt Lake City, Joseph, Hunter and Haylee all of Fort Smith; a son, Kyle Bartlett and his wife, Jennifer of Reno, Nevada and their children, Isaac and Emery both of Reno, Nevada and Paul of Nebraska; one step-son, Jon Smith of Greenwood and his fiancée, Tanya Young and their child, Hayden Smith of Greenwood; one sister, Roberta Helms of Atkins; a daughter-in law, Misti Bartlett of Salt Lake City, Utah; one brother, Thurman Bartlett of Aurora, Colorado; three brothers-in-law, Gale Britton of Fort Smith and Arthur Williams of Idaho, and Larry Jones; two sisters-in-law, Kathryne Thomas of Fort Smith and Tami Jones of Boise, Idaho; ten grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Bartlett; one brother, Charles Bartlett, and one sister, Carolyn Beene.