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Forrest Eugene Ott

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Forrest Ott Obituary

Forrest Eugene Ott SUMMERVILLE - Lt. Col. (Retired) USAF Forrest Eugene Ott was born in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota on May 10, 1921 to Eugene H. Ott and Katie Hansen Ott. He graduated from Canby (MN) High School in 1938, and attended South Dakota State from 1938 to 1941. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps Reserve in 1942 and continued his Pilot Training under the War Training Program. He was called to active duty in 1943 and sent to Army Air Corps pilot training, graduating in December 1944 as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was then transferred to Bombardier Training School in Texas flying student bombardiers until the war ended. He then attended Air Traffic Control School for the US Air Force and was sent to Frankfurt Germany as an Air Traffic Controller in 1946. Forrest then went to Templehof AFB in Berlin as a radar controller. He flew 110 missions in the Berlin Airlift and received an Air Medal commendation and a unit citation. He joined a Troop Carrier Reserve wing in January 1951 flying C-46s and was recalled to active duty in May 1951; he flew aircraft dropping paratroopers for two years. He was then transferred to Kadena Air Base to fly B-17s and C-54s. In June 1956 he was transferred to McGuire AFB (NJ) Military Air Transport Squadron where he remained until 1966; he was then transferred to Charleston AFB in 1966. During that period, he flew C-118s, C-135s, and C-141s. When he retired from the military in 1971, he had flown almost 19,000 accident free hours. At his retirement, he was awarded two Air Medals for over the 70 flights made into the Vietnam War zone. After retirement, Lt. Col. Ott flew another 6200 hours in single engine or twin engine aircraft. He was an active charter pilot as well as flying for Civil Air Patrol. In total, Lt. Col. Ott flew over 25,000 hours in 59 different types of aircraft, crossing the Atlantic Ocean over 350 times, the Pacific Ocean over 175 times, and making more than 30 round-the-world flights. Ott was a member of the Lion's Club of Summerville for forty years. He was a past commander of Sumerville's American Legion; a member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars; a member of the Daedalions which is an honored military pilot's association; past member of the Dorchester County Aeronautics Commission. He was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian honor in 1994. Forrest was preceded in death by his wife Hedda Jaeck "Jackie" Ott, and his sisters Marcelia Ray and Charlotte Ott. He is survived by his four children Dr. Beatrice Baldwin of Baton Rouge, LA; Patricia Wessinger of Goose Creek, SC; Duane Ott of Columbus, OH; and Dr. Marilyn Mora, Houston, TX. He is also survived by five grandchildren Stephen Baldwin, Jenna Wessinger, Kyle Wessinger, Michelle Fontenot, and Allen Soldani, and two great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 o'clock at the funeral home. Funeral service will be held Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 2 o'clock at Summerville Presbyterian Church, Summerville. Entombment will follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens, Summerville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Chaplains Fund at The Village of Summerville, 201 West 9th North Street, Summerville, SC 29483, Summerville Presbyterian Church, 407 South Laurel Street, Summerville, SC 29483 or the S.C. Alzheimer's Association, 2090 Executive Hall Road, Charleston, SC 29401. ARRANGEMENTS BY JAMES A. DYAL FUNERAL HOME, 303 SOUTH MAIN STREET, SUMMERVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Jun. 3 to Jun. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Forrest Ott

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Chris Ott

June 2, 2014

Mom and Dad Ott, You both are still very much in my mind and heart. Both of you are very special to Buddy and myself. We will always keep you in our thoughts.
Love and hugs, Chris

June 7, 2013

Joining his wife in heaven

Peggy Clemente

June 6, 2013

For years I lovingly referred to Mr. Forrest as my little man.He was a kind and easy going person who loved to make others laugh. He had my heart after my first day of working for him. He was one of those people who really cared for others, he made me feel welcome right from the start. Last night at his wake I did not see my little man, instead I saw a proud man as he lay in his casket in his dress uniform. No my little man who I have grown to love and respect was not there. Who I saw was Lt. Col. Forrest E. Ott retired, and my heart swelled with pride. I say to you now with much love goodnight sir it was an honor to have known you. Patty, BB, Marilyn,& Buddy, I love you all and pray God gives you strength in this difficult time.

Forrest and I at the Columbia Zoo.

Katie Clemente

June 5, 2013

4 years ago I got a job offer, hesitant and fearful, I took it. I was able to become one of the main caregivers for Mr. and Mrs. Ott. The years went on, with good times and bad, ups and downs. With every passing day, this "job" I had taken on wasn't a job anymore. This "job" became my life. My life revolved around these two precious people. I planned trips for them, whether it be to the Zoo in Columbia, the Azalea festival, a local play, or just out to lunch a few times a week. We lost our little lady last year, now it's time to say goodbye to a man that has become a part of me, a part of my soul.

This isn't the type of job you can leave at work when you go home. I thought about them both every day, wondering what our next adventure would be. I was so blessed to have these people put in my life.

I got especially close to Mr. Forrest, having both my grandparents and father pass when I was younger. He taught me so many things in the short time I was with him. He taught me to be proud of who you are, no matter what. He taught me to always think of others before yourself, and to always lend a helping hand. Finally, he taught me love. He took me in, allowed me to get close to him. I can remember now our little talks from everything from volunteering to flying, parties to back yard barbeques. Every story he told me was a blessing.

Patty, BB, Marilyn, and Buddy- I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to care for your father. He made more of an impact on me than you'll ever know. I will keep him in my heart forever.

Chris Ott

June 5, 2013

Im sorry for everyones loss :( What comes to mind about Dad Ott are many things. One being he flew Buddy and myself in a Cessna back in 1980. Second being he liked to root for the Braves baseball team, and would tease Buddy and myself when they would play against my favorite team NY Mets and Buddy's favorite team, Philadelphia Phillies. Sending my condolences, along with love and hugs. Chris Ott

C-141B Starlifter

Darrell Parker USAF/Ret

June 5, 2013

I will always remember the great trips that I flew with Col Ott, they were all so much fun. He was such a great pilot. Thanks for the memories Colonel Ott.

Alfreida Mcpherson

June 5, 2013

It has been a pleasure to care for both of your parents and my prayers are with you and your family.

Patty Wessisnger

June 4, 2013

My father has received his final pair of wings. He was a unique and wonderful man. I will miss his happy smiles, warm hugs, and his gentle squeeze of my hand. I will always love him and carry his memory in my heart.

Beatrice Baldwin

June 4, 2013

Forrest and his daughters BB (Beatrice) and Patty on May 27, 2013.

Tony Pecorara

June 4, 2013

Our condolence to the family. May he rest in peace and fly with the angels.
Tony and Margie Pecorara American Legion Post 21

Clarence Brown

June 4, 2013

Sending our sympathy during your bereavement from SC Disabled American Veterans. Chaplain and Comrades

Bill Schmitz, AL Post 21 Commander

June 4, 2013

On behalf of the Legionnaires of Post 21, our deepest condolences to your family. Colonel Ott was a true American hero, and we will all miss him.

Cindy Beales-Clark

June 4, 2013

Patti, Bea, Duane (and Marilyn, but don't think we ever met)-- I recall your father from my high school days. I never realized what an accomplished man he was, but I always recognized him as brilliant. My deepest condolences for your loss.

Angela Rea

June 4, 2013

I had the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Ott one morning in church; so full of joy and stories of his flying days. He was a joy to listen to and very sweet to me. Praying for your extended family at this time of loss.

Joel & Priscilla Larkin USAF Ret SMSgt

June 4, 2013

Dear Ott family and friends! Forrest was a remarkable gentleman and a person to be admired. I met him through George Buehl. He had so many amazing aviation stories to tell. May he rest in the peace, grace and light or our Lord Jesus Christ. Our prayers and thoughts are with the family. God Bless

June 3, 2013

My condolences

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