Otis E Irons

Lieutenant Colonel Otis E. Irons “Gene”, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Bossier City, Louisiana. Otis was born March 13, 1941, in Kane, Pennsylvania to Manley O. Irons and Laura E. Malmstrom.

He devoted 29 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force as a B-52 navigator, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. A Vietnam Veteran recognized for over 100 flight missions. Gene was an integral part of the elite Air Force Strike Command at Barksdale Air Force Base and was the recipient of two Presidential Awards, in 1961 and 1967.

Gene was proud to have done his duty helping to defend the freedoms of his country. He was a member of the Retired Officers' Association and the US Air Force Association.

He appreciated good food and was an excellent cook. A well-thought out and well-versed conversationalist, he commanded—and truly deserved love and great respect. Otis Eugene Irons was a true classic and he will be dearly missed.

Gene is survived by his wife, Sheilia A. Irons; sisters, Donna Peterson and Judy Rodda; son, Eric E. Irons and wife Julie; stepdaughters, Kelly M. Holmes, Stacy R. Thomson and husband Jamie; grandchildren, Austin, Shane, Jaxson, and Charlie Irons; step grandchildren, Nathan Young and Shelby Wiggins; great grandchildren, Aiden and Armond Irons; step great grandchild, Mila Young.

He was preceded in death by his father, Manley O. Irons; mother, Laura E. Malmstrom; brother, Manley Irons and sister, Alice Chubon.

A visitation for Gene will be held Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 Hwy 80 E, Haughton, Louisiana 71037. A service honoring his life will follow at 2:00 PM.