CARLISLE, PA. — General (Ret.) Glenn K. Otis, 83, of Carlisle, Pa., died Thursday, Feb. 21, in the Carlisle Regional Medical Center.
Born March 15, 1929, in Plattsburgh, N.Y., he was the son of the late Glen K. and Viola Hart Otis.
General Otis began his career as an enlisted soldier on occupation duty in Korea following World War II, was selected from the ranks to attend West Point, later taught at the military Academy, fought valiantly as a cavalry squadron commander in Vietnam during the Tet Offensive of 1968, directed the XM-1 Tank Task Force that produced the technologically superior Abrams main battle tank, and positively affected the lives and training of thousands of soldiers as Commanding General of the 1st Armored Division, Commanding General of Training and Doctrine Command, and as Commander in Chief of the U.S. Army Europe during key periods of the Cold War. He then continued his service to his country as a core member of the Defense Science Board, the highest-level board advising the Secretary of Defense, and a member of similar, national-level advisory boards. He served his country in the U.S. Army for 42 years. He was a soldier's soldier.
Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Barbara Otis of Carlisle, Pa.; one son, Peter Otis and wife Lisa of Glen Allen, Va.; two daughters, Caren Otis of Carlisle and Nancee Groh and husband Jeffrey of Carlisle; and four grandchildren, Logan, Donovan, Tyler, and Emily. He was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Peoples.
A Memorial Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 27, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 85 Marsh Drive, Carlisle, with Rev. William C. Forrey as celebrant. Hoffman-Roth Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., 219 North Hanover St., Carlisle, Pa., is in charge of the funeral arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wounded Warrior Project P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, Pa. 17111.
To sign the guest book visit www.hoffmanroth.com
