Richard Charles Otis

Richard Charles Otis, Sr., 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the hospice center of the VA Medical Center in Des Moines, Iowa. His family is deeply grateful for the exemplary care and comfort provided by the staff during his final days.

Born on November 7, 1940, in Ankeny, Iowa, he was the son of the late Mildred M. Smith and Isaiah Brown. Richard grew up on the east side of Des Moines and attended East High School.

He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving for seven years as a member of the 25th Infantry Division, including a tour of duty in Vietnam. Following his military service, Richard dedicated 34 years to MidAmerican Energy, retiring from the Council Bluffs Energy Center. After his retirement, he and his wife, Minnie, returned to Des Moines.

In 1965, Richard married Minnie A. Heard. Together, they built a life and raised a family, celebrating 57 years of marriage before her passing in 2022. Richard was a man of quiet passions—he loved playing chess, solving crossword puzzles, reading books, and listening to music. He and Minnie also enjoyed occasional trips to Prairie Meadows casino, where they shared many joyful afternoons together.

He is survived by his loving children, Richelle L. Otis, and his son and daughter-in-law, Richard C. Otis Jr. and Amy Otis; his grandsons, Mavrick Richard Otis and Zane Elijah Otis; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Minnie; his mother, Mildred M. Otis; and his sister, Shirley A. Jackson.