Otto was born on August 17, 1928, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Osborne and Mamie Hill. On April 11, 1953, he married the love of his life, Mary Joanne Gordon. Together they shared 72 wonderful years of marriage and raised four children.
Otto graduated from Central High School. From 1946-1950, he was employed at Standard Oil Company starting out as a general clerk. He was then called to military duty and served in the Army during the Korean War from 1950-1952. He received the “Korean Service Medal with 3 Bronze Stars” and a “United Nations Service Medal”. After coming home from Korea, he continued his career with Standard Oil (later Amoco Oil) rising in the ranks to Customer Relations Manager before retiring in March 1984.
Otto was always a jokester with a great sense of humor which always made family gatherings fun. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who would strike up a chat with anyone and do it with a smile. Otto was a big sports enthusiast. In his younger years, he could either be seen in the backyard playing football with his son and neighbor kids or shooting hoops in the driveway. Because of his love of sports and his giving spirit, he chose to become a Raytown Little League manager/coach for his first son where he led them to three city championships, winning one. He also volunteered his time as a coach for the St. Regis boys football & girls basketball teams. His TV was always turned on for the Royals games. While he was still able, he would attend the Chiefs game with his friend Jim Allen. Otto enjoyed going to the local casinos with his lucky wife. He never seemed to have much luck, until the week before his passing, he finally hit a jackpot. In previous years, Otto also served as an usher at his parish and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Otto lived a full life and is loved by his whole family.
Otto is preceded in death by his wife, Joanne (Gordon) Hill and daughter, Laurie Ann (Hill) Bomar.
He is survived by his children, Kevin (Ruth) Hill, Patricia (Hill) Godfrey, and Kenneth (Ivana) Hill; his son-in-law, Terrance Bomar; his grandchildren, Lindy (Adam) Cox, Brett (Joy) Hill, and Ezekiel Bomar; his great-grandchildren, Adalyn Cox and Ellie Cox; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
A visitation will be held on Monday October 12, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Regis Catholic Church in Kansas City, followed by a Mass at 11:00 a.m. Burial will take place immediately following the Mass at Mount Olivet Cemetery in Raytown, Missouri. A luncheon will be served at St. Regis following the burial.
Otto’s legacy of love, strength, and devotion to his family will live on forever.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Regis Parish, 8941 James A. Reed Road, Kansas City, MO 64138.
