Otis A. Hower

Otis A. Hower

Otis Ayers Hower, 81, passed away on August 5, 2017 with his loving wife Kathy at his side.

Otis was born on May 5, 1936 to the late Mary Ayers and John B. Hower in Akron, Ohio. He was preceded in death by sister, Jean Hower Taber. Otis is survived by his beloved wife, Kathy; brother, Jim; and sister-in-law, Claudia; nephews, Walt (Dana) and Tim of NYC.

Otis attended Culver Academy, Kiski Academy and Buchtel High School. He joined the Air Force in October, 1957 with honorable discharge in August, 1961. He then attended the University of Akron and received his Bachelor's degree in Business. He was a proud veteran and never left home without his American flag on his lapel.

Otis was a Member of the Grand Lodge of Free & Accepted Masons of Ohio (Meridian Sun Lodge No. 69). He was a member and the oldest living past president of the Royal Order of Jesters Court No. 80, the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, the Tadmor Shriners, a lifetime member of the Grand Council Royal & Select Masons of Ohio and the Cuyahoga Falls Commandery No. 83. He was a member of the Summit County Historical Society, a member of Bluecoats and a benefactor of the Friends of The Hower House.

Otis was the grandson of the late M. Otis and Blanche Hower of the well-known Hower family of Akron, Ohio. They were an entrepreneurial family starting several successful companies. Otis was proud to be a Hower and he shared many memories of the Hower House with family and friends.

Otis was the "go to" guy that always knew something about everything. He was quick to offer up an interesting fact or share advice on the topic at hand. He was a long standing member of Portage Country Club. The club and its history with the Hower family meant the world to him. He was an avid golfer and always had a kind word for everyone. He was well renowned on the golf course for his love of the game, the camaraderie he shared with friends and the fun he always had when golfing. His golfing buddies never knew what crazy patterned pants and outfits Otis would show up in. He had a huge sense of humor, enjoyed laughing and having a good time.

Otis married the love of his life, Kathy in December, 1998. They had a happy and love filled life together. He loved spending time with Kathy and his beloved dogs, Seamus, Mickey & Gracie. Otis loved travel and was a voracious reader, mostly nonfiction and history. He was a huge history buff and always had some information about what the discussion at the time was. He loved watching sports. He was a unique, fun, kind, loving and amazing man. He was not a complainer even when things were extremely difficult for him; he fought a valiant fight for his life the past several years.

He was personally involved with organ donation after receiving a kidney from his wife in 2013 at University Hospital. The doctors, Dr. Augustine, Dr. Hricik, Diana, Barb and all of the staff were wonderful with Otis. He was very grateful to them for all the care and help they gave him throughout the rest of his life.

Otis loved life and all that it had to offer. He was a traditional man and a gentleman. He will be remembered as always stepping up to help all and never needed an acknowledgement for whatever he did. Otis will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Calling hours will be THURSDAY, August 17 from 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel, 85 N. Miller Road with Masonic Services by the Meridian Sun Lodge starting at 7:30 PM. There will be a Memorial Service, 1:30 PM FRIDAY, August 18, at Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path, Akron, Ohio 44303. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: UH Hospital, Transplant Institute, 11100 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106, The Humane Society of Summit County, 7996 Darrow Rd. Ste 30, Twinsburg, OH 44087, Edwin Shaw Rehab Facility of Akron General Hospital, or The Hower House, 60 Fir Hill, Akron, Ohio 44304.

(Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel).