Otis led a long and extraordinary life. A World War II veteran, he was the aerial engineer and top turret gunner on a B-17 Pathfinder in the 447th Bombardment Group of the 8th Air Force, which was stationed in Rattlesden, England. Surviving 25 bombing raids despite being shot down three times, he received numerous medals and honors for his brave service, including the Distinguished Flying Medal awarded by the Royal Air Force and the French Croix De Guerre with Silver Palm. Otis was perhaps most proud, however, to receive the badge designating him as a member of The Goldfish Club, an honor reserved for airmen who had survived a ditching at sea.
Otis was also a distinguished and talented artist, and his paintings are hung in collections around the country. He was a Professor of Art and Chairman of the Art Department at Angelo State University for over 20 years and, as the Director of European Studies, he led many trips to Europe with his students. A scholar, philosopher, historian and writer, Otis was fascinated by the world and spent his life exploring and learning as much as he could.
A kind, wise and loving man, Otis was adored by his family, friends and students. Exceptionally tolerant and kind, he was a true southern gentleman – extremely gracious, invariably polite and utterly charming.
Preceded in death by his beloved wife Jo Anne Reeves Lumpkin, Otis is survived by his son Otey Lumpkin and wife Alane Hall of Dallas; daughter Olivia (Libby) Lumpkin and husband Dave Hickey of Albuquerque, New Mexico; daughter Lynn Layman of Midland; daughter Elaine Floyd and husband Ricky of Frederick, Maryland; daughter Lisa Minton and husband Burton of Austin; and son Eric Lumpkin and wife Lindsey of Odessa.
Otis also is survived by several grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom loved him dearly: Vanessa Wells of San Angelo; David Andrew Layman of Boston, Massachusetts; Christopher Henderson and wife Christina of Denton, along with their daughters Ashley and LeAnn; James Robles of San Antonio; Harry Minton of Austin; and Hannah Minton of Boulder, Colorado. Also left to mourn his passing are sister-in-law Nancy Bradley and husband Wilbur of Wichita, Kansas; brothers-in-law Chuck Reeves and Ronnie Reeves, both of Texarkana, Arkansas and Bill Reeves of Little Rock, Arkansas; and his cousin, Sophie Redditt, of Dallas. Otis also leaves behind his dear friend Barbara Zirkle of San Angelo, whom the family regards with great appreciation and deep affection.
The family would like to thank the staff at Royal Estates of San Angelo for the kindness they showed their father and for making his time there comfortable and happy. They also would like to express their appreciation for the compassionate care he received at Shannon Hospital and by Hospice of San Angelo.
Honoring Otis’ wishes, the family has arranged a private burial at Fairmount Cemetery. Instead of flowers, the family appreciates your thoughts and prayers at this time.
Arrangements are by Johnson's Funeral Home.com.
Family and friends may sign the online register book at www.johnsons-funeralhome.com.
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