Troy Allen Ottmer

Our beloved husband and father, Troy Allen Ottmer, passed away unexpectedly on January 19, 2026. Troy was born on September 8, 1966, in Bellville, Texas, the first of three children born to Johnnie and Shirley Ottmer.

From an early age, and through working alongside his father, Troy developed a deep love for building and working with his hands—constructing homes, repairing equipment, and restoring vehicles. This practical foundation shaped both his character and career, ultimately leading him to join Rush Equipment Center in Houston in 1998. There, Troy discovered a passion not only for the work itself, but for leadership and building strong, successful teams. Over the course of his career, he went on to lead teams at Doggett – John Deere, Rush Truck Centers, Hydraquip, and Koppers, leaving a lasting impact everywhere he worked.

Troy was deeply passionate about entrepreneurship and the opportunities created by emerging technologies. He was endlessly curious, forward-thinking, and energized by innovation—always eager to learn, adapt, and share ideas with others. This really came to shine in the business he inevitably started as a consultant for the trucking and servicing industry he had come to love.

In his younger years, before his children were born, Troy was also a certified diving instructor, logging hundreds of dives—many in Lake Travis—including advanced cave dives. This chapter of his life reflected his adventurous spirit, discipline, and love of mastery.

Troy’s passions knew no bounds. He was an avid cyclist who spent several years participating in the MS 150 Houston-to-Austin ride, raising awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis. It was during one of these rides that he met Melinda, the love of his life and wife of 20 years. His love and devotion to cycling extended beyond the road and trails, leading him to become an active member of the Northwest Cycling Club. Through his decades with the club, Troy was a dedicated rider, volunteer, and served as treasurer—generously giving his time and leadership to the organization.

Above all else, Troy cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Melinda Ottmer; his children, Joshua Ottmer (Hannah Ottmer), Grace Ottmer (Zach Thomas), Jacob Ottmer, Chelsea Torres (Alfred Torres) and Colby Harper; his grandchildren, Joseph Torres, Elizabeth Torres, Mariah Torres, Rogan Ottmer, Malakai Ottmer, Johnnie Ottmer, and Elijah Ottmer-Thomas. He is also survived by his father, Johnnie L. Ottmer, his mother-in-law, Ann Keel, his sisters Carmen Peck (Ricky Peck) and Sally Ottmer, his brother-in-law Brian Keel (Kristin Louviere), numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Ottmer, and his father-in-law, Jerry Keel.

Troy was our hero, our guide, and our safe place. He was the person we relied on for sound advice, steady counsel, and quiet strength. He taught us the meaning of compassion and respect through his actions, always willing to help others, and served as the cornerstone of his family. That same spirit carried into his work and hobbies, where he proved to be a source of culture, positivity, and leadership everywhere he went.

Troy poured every ounce of his being into his family, his work, and his many passions. He brought a level of dedication, focus, and candor that few could match. Though he will be deeply missed, his presence will continue to live on through the lessons he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Creek, located at 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095, on January 29, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm.