Sam Otis

May 25, 1932   ---   June 30, 2020

C.S.M. Sam Edward Otis passed away peacefully on June 30, 2020 at his farm home south of Burlington, Oklahoma.  Born on May 25, 1932 to Raymond E. Otis and Maud Thomason Otis, Sam lived in the Burlington area and graduated from high school in 1950.  In 1952 Sam married Phyllis Page, his high school sweetheart.  They had two sons, Stan and Phil.

Sam entered military service in 1950.  He served eighteen months in Japan and Korea and upon returning, he served the remainder of his thirty-three years with the 45th Division, Oklahoma National Guard.  He worked for the Burlington Coop before joining the Alfalfa County Sheriff Department in 1969 and later served as Alfalfa County Sheriff until 1990 when he retired.  Then he farmed the land his Grandfather Sam Thomason homesteaded in the land run in 1893.

Sam was active in sports playing basketball and track, holding two county records for several years.  In 1949 the first FFA Chapter was formed and he was elected the first president.  Sam was a member of the County and State Peace Officers Association having served as president of the Northwest District.  He was an active member of the Burlington Christian Church serving as Deacon, then Elder, and President of the Church Board until it closed.  He then joined the First Christian Church in Alva (Disciples of Christ).

Sam was a kind, sensitive, and humble man with a great sense of humor.  He was open-minded and would do anything for anyone.  He loved his family so very much and they will miss him greatly.

Sam is survived by his wife, Phyllis of Burlington; his son, Stanley of Burlington; daughter-in-law, Geisela of Bentonville, Arkansas; sister, Martha Simmons of Fort Worth, Texas; four grandchildren; three step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren.

He is predeceased by his parents, Raymond and Maud Otis and one son, L.T.C. Phillip Otis.

Funeral service for Sam will be Monday, July 6, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. at Alva First Christian Church.  Burial will be in Keith Cemetery, rural Burlington.  Arrangements are by Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Cherokee.  Viewing will be Sunday at the funeral home in Cherokee 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  www.lanmanmemorials.com   Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

Memorials may be given to Burlington Fire Department, Keith Cemetery, or Alva First Christian Church through the funeral home.