William Ottoson

William “Bill” Earl Ottoson, Sr., also known as Dad, Papa, and O.P. (Old Papa) passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 94. Born August 15, 1931, in Cambridge, Illinois, to Edna (Hight) and Ralph Ottoson, he was raised in Illinois and lived a long and remarkable life filled with love, laughter, service, and accomplishment.

Bill graduated from Alexis High School in Illinois. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force before graduating from Western Illinois University with a bachelor’s in music and a master’s in psychology. A man of intellect and curiosity, he nearly completed a doctorate in psychology and administration. However, the long commute to Texas Tech University and the time away from his family kept him from finishing. Still, his brilliance, wit, and wisdom were unmatched.

On February 10, 1951, he married the love of his life, Betty Jo Ritter. Together, they shared 74 ½ extraordinary years of marriage, a legacy of devotion and steadfast love that has been a shining example to their family and all who knew them. Betty always enjoys reminding people that he had once been voted Football King, a title that captured both his charm and the admiration of those around him. They welcomed their first child, Bill Jr., in Mississippi in 1953. Later, the family moved back to Illinois where they welcomed their second child, Carolyn, in 1958.

Their journey later took them to an Air Force Base in Puerto Rico for 5 years where Bill worked as a civilian employee as a psychologist, director of counseling and guidance of a 12-grade school system, and the high school band director. Following this, he served for three years in an administrative role at Del Mar College in Corpus Christi.

In 1967, the family settled in Amarillo, Texas, where he lived the rest of his life. He worked for Amarillo College in various administrative capacities for 10 years, lastly as director of the public information office. He then served as general manager of the AAA Panhandle-Plains Auto Club until his retirement. His long list of accomplishments also includes being a Mason and Shriner and playing trumpet in the Khiva Shriner’s Oriental Band.

He filled his days with music, photography, woodworking, and humor. He was a man of many talents, always creating, always learning, and always ready with a clever joke. His witty sense of humor brought joy to every family gathering.

While serving at AAA, he and Betty fulfilled their dream of traveling. They journeyed across the world, exploring countless countries and even standing on the Great Wall of China. After retirement, they completed their list of travel to all 50 states, many of them from the comfort of their RV. He especially loved golf, often taking his grandchildren along to play and share the game he loved so much. More than anything, though, he loved food, laughter, and the company of his family, gathering with them for meals and celebrations throughout the years.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Bobby, and his sister, Betty Swanson.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 74 ½ years, Betty; his son Bill Ottoson, Jr. (Debbie); his daughter Carolyn Ottoson (Doug Curry); his grandson Sean Ottoson (Kaylene) and their children Peyton, Kennedy, and Colt; his granddaughter Wendy Monds (Scott) and their children Christopher, Kayla, and Benjamin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He will be remembered for his humor, his brilliance, his creativity, and above all, his love for his family. His legacy lives on in every story, every laugh, and every cherished memory shared around the table. In place of flowers, please share an extra-long hug with those you love.