Obituary of Melvin Otter

Melvin Harry Otter was born in New Boston on November 14, 1928. He was one of eight children born from the union of the late Harry Otter and the late Luella (Yost) Otter, and raised on the family farm in Carleton. Melvin was a hard worker and lived a colorful life. He would serve in the Merchant Marines, then took employment with the railroad on a steam engine, worked on a freighter out of Cleveland, before settling back with the railroad, Detroit Toledo & Ironton (DT&I). He would work as an Engineer, retiring after forty-one years of dedicated service. He married the former Lucille Morrison, on August 26, 1961, at St. John's Lutheran, in Waltz. Melvin loved being outside and he was very athletic. He enjoyed playing softball, baseball, bowling, hunting, and fishing. In his spare time he raised beagles and often visited flea markets where he would buy goods to re-sell. Melvin was kind and well-respected. He played guitar and sang, loved to smoke cigars, and a good game of cards, but truly enjoyed socializing and visiting Northern Michigan family in the U.P. Melvin "Speed" Otter, age 87 of Carleton passed away at 12:52pm, Thursday, April 21, 2016 at his home. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his former spouse: Martha "Marty" Bagdon; four siblings: Darlene, Janice, Olin, and Henry; and four brothers-in-law: Ed Janson, Gene Stotz, Bruce Portlow, Richard Leonard; and a grandson: Joshua Otter. To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife: Lucille of Carleton; three children: Norman Otter of Carleton, Leslie Otter of Tecumseh, and Phillip (Debbie) Otter of Tecumseh; three siblings: Joyce Janson of Monroe, LouAnn Partlow of Port Huron, and Sharon Leonard of Maybee; three grandchildren: Ethan, Alex, and Luke; and one great grandson: Neal. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Merkle Funeral Service, 2442 North Monroe Street (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 11:00am on Monday, April 25, 2016 also at Merkle's with Chaplain Bill Fink officiating. Memorials are suggested to ProMedica Monroe Hospice or the Humane Society of Monroe County. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com; Online Tributes page. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Kimmy Brown, Genie Steele, and Bonnie Otter for all of their help.