Don Nathan Otto

April 25, 1924 — Dec. 25, 2012

Don Nathan Otto, 88, of Davis, passed into the hands of God on Christmas Day, 2012, in Vacaville.

Don was born on April 25, 1924, at home in Portland, Ore., to Joseph L. and Ruth Hoover Otto. He graduated from Everett High School in June 1942, enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and reported for duty as a radioman on the USS Oakland in July 1943.

He saw extensive action in the Pacific, including The Battle of Leyte Gulf, the Marianas “Turkey Shoot,” and the surrender ceremonies aboard the USS Missouri.

Don return stateside to marry Ruth Vernice McDiarmid in 1946. They moved to San Jose, where they raised four children. They were active members of Alum Rock United Methodist Church, They were divorced in 1973.

Don married Jean Hattie Gibson in 1975. They lived in Cupertino and swam, played bridge and went camping. They travelled and made friends around the world. Jean passed away in 2004.

Don moved to Davis in 2005 where he met Margaret Henryson. They were members of Davis United Methodist Church, where Don was a member of the Board of Trustees. He was a regular at Bo Tree Yoga and at Davis Athletic Club.

Don is survived by Margaret Henryson, of Davis; his children, Tim of Stockton, Joe of Davis, Susie and Steve of Texas; and his younger brother, Edward J. Otto of Arroyo Grande. He is also survived by nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister Lois Ellen Sheehan.

Special to The Enterprise

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