Bernard F. Ott, Sr.

Bernard Francis Ott, Sr, 91, of Waco, passed away on September 21, 2020. Visitation will be Sunday, September 27, at Oakcrest Funeral Home from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. The Rosary will be September 28, at 9:30 AM at St Louis Catholic Church followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery.

Bernard was born in Cuero, Texas on January 2, 1929 to William James Ott and Annie Rose (Kahanek) Ott. When he was 7 years old, his family moved to Austin, then to Waco in 1940. He met Dorothy Dell Ganus at Sacred Heart Academy in 1942 and they started dating in 1947. He and Dorothy married at St. Mary’s Church on November 14, 1951.

Bernard began working in the accounting department of the Waco Tribune Herald in the late 1940’s and later transferred to the circulation department. In 1952 he joined the Texas National Guard and was called to active duty in 1953. He was stationed in Tokyo, Japan for 18 months as the Korean War was ending. He was discharged as a sergeant in March 1955. Following retirement from the Waco Tribune Herald in 1989 after 43 years of employment, Bernard worked at the Army and Air Force Exchange Services for five years. After retiring the second time, he enjoyed spending time landscaping his yard.

He was a member of St. Louis Catholic Church and served on the Board for St Mary’s school as well as the Board for Reicher Catholic High School.

He was preceded in death by his infant twin sons, his parents, and his brother William Ott.

Bernard is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Dorothy, and their six children: Bernard Jr. and wife, Cynthia of Waco, James and wife, Margaret of Arlington, Rose Hutyra and husband, Jeff of Round Rock, Stephen Ott of Waco, Robert and wife, Rachel of Houston, and Brian and wife, Juli of Austin. Bernard leaves behind eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ann Mary Hendrix and husband Floyd, and several nieces and nephews.

Bernard was a living portrait of commitment, self-sacrifice, and devotion. He loved his wife, Dorothy, dearly and set an enduring example for his children and grandchildren. He always put the needs of others before his own. Bernard enjoyed being surrounded by family, especially during holidays and Aggie football games.
Pallbearers are Andrew Ott, Christopher Ott, Christian Ott, Bryce Ott, Tyler Ott, Stephen Sparks, and Sam Moody.

For those wishing to do so, please send memorials in the name of Bernard Francis Ott, Sr. to Bishop Louis Reicher Catholic School, 2102 N. 23rd St., Waco, Texas 76708.

We would like to thank the staff at St. Catherine’s Center, Visiting Angels, Providence Hospice, and Providence Hospital.