Charles “Charlie” Edward Otts Jr., age 79, of Schuyler, Nebraska, passed away on August 11, 2026, at Douglas County Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday August 17, 2026, at the McKown Funeral Home. Visitation is Sunday 4-7 p.m. at the McKown Funeral Home. Visitation will continue Monday morning 9:30 a.m.-10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by The American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard.

Charles was born on September 26, 1946, in Syracuse, New York, to Charles Edward Otts Sr. and Virginia Joyce (Hampton) Otts. He was the second oldest of 19 children and the oldest of the boys. Charlie enlisted in the Navy on August 14, 1964, and served until January 9, 1970. He left his home state and traveled to Great Lakes, Michigan, for Navy recruit training, where he was assigned to Company 383. After graduating, he was assigned to USS Higbee, serving from 1964 to 1966 as a Boiler Technician Fireman (BTFN). During this tour, he served in the Vietnam War. In 1966, he reenlisted and was promoted to Boiler Technician Third Class (BT3). He continued his career aboard the USS Steinaker, a Gearing-class destroyer operating out of Naval Station in Long Beach, California, where he served until he was honorably discharged from active duty on January 9, 1970. He was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the National Defense Service Medal. In 1966, he met Lynda Umland in Long Beach, California. They were married briefly from 1967 to 1972. Charlie and Lynda welcomed Charles Edward Otts III. It was during this time that Charlie found his forever home in Nebraska. Charlie met Linda Kay Vickers in 1971 in Auburn, Nebraska, when she was his waitress at Darling’s Cafe. They were united in marriage on June 16, 1972, in Coryell Park, Nebraska. Charlie and Linda welcomed three daughters: Sonia Kay, Tracey Christine, and Jamie Nicole. The family moved around throughout the southeast portion of Nebraska and temporarily lived in Garden City, Kansas. They eventually settled in the Columbus/Schuyler area. They were married for 54 years. He was employed as a foreman for Excel in Schuyler, Nebraska. He also worked for CCS and United Transport as a truck driver. Later, he became the owner/operator of C&L Trucking for United Transport. Charles was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, chopping wood, and home improvement projects. He loved his lottery tickets, his John Wayne and Elvis Presley memorabilia, being a proud Navy veteran, and spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was his grandchildren’s biggest supporter when it came to sports and activities. Charlie spent his mornings with his coffee buddies at the Subway inside Walmart, drinking coffee and people-watching. He was also a member of American Legion Hartman Post #84. Charlie was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, uncle, and friend. He was loved deeply by those who knew him for his blunt sense of humor, the stories he shared, his willingness to lend a hand to anyone who needed it, and, most of all, the love he had for his family. To those closest to him, Charlie was more than just family; he was someone you could count on, someone who was always there, and someone whose presence will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

 Survivors include his wife Linda of Schuyler; five siblings residing throughout the United States; brother-in-law John Vickers of Omaha; brother-in-law Jeff (Carrie Ann) Vickers of Omaha; son Charles “Kip” (Jennifer) Otts of Columbus; daughter Sonia (CJ) Brewster of Columbus; grandson Colby (Taylor) Cech of Schuyler; great-grandchildren Paxtonn, Colter, and Magnolia; granddaughter Alex (Matt) Graham of Columbus; great grandchildren Paisley and David; grandson Jordan (Branwyn) Cech of Washington, D.C.; daughter Tracey Otts of Schuyler; daughter Jamie (Dave) Forsberg of Stromsburg; grandchildren Sarah and Jacob; many extended family members, both blood relatives and those considered family by choice. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles Sr. and Virginia Otts; several brothers and sisters; and in-laws Bill and Marge Vickers.