Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Otto Stites Obituary
He was born on February 17, 1925 in Washington D.C. to Otto Russell and Margaret Ramseyer Stites. He attended grade school in Emporia, Kansas and graduated in 1942 from College High School, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, He attended Purdue University and graduated from Kansas University in 1948 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and in 1951 with a Bachelor of Law degree.
He enlisted in 1943 at age 17 in the United States Marine Corps V-12 Program and spent three years on active duty during World War II, serving in the United States, Pacific Theatre and North China.. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 during the Korean War and retired from the United States Marine Corps Reserve with the rank of Captain.
In 1953, he began the practice of law in Topeka, Kansas, with the firm of Doran, Kline, Cosgrove and Russell. From 1961 to 1969 he was an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Kansas. In 1969, he was appointed Regional Counsel for the Post Office Department in Wichita, Kansas and retired from federal service in 1992.
He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, Phi Delta Phi International Legal fraternity, Kansas Bar Association, University of Kansas Alumni Association, National Association of Retired Federal Employees, American Legion Post 14, Lawrence, Kansas, Fraternal Order of Eagles, Lawrence and Elks Lodge 803, Ottawa, Kansas.
He married Betty Mae Myers in Lawrence, Kansas in 1961. She died March 20, 2004. He is survived by one son, Todd Russell Stites, Los Angeles, California, one daughter, Robin Lynn Breit and her husband, Chris Breit, Lawrence, Kansas, one brother, John Stites, Manhattan, Kansas, one sister, Jane Leo, Prairie Village, Kansas and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday, June 8, 2012 at Warren-McElwain Mortuary. Burial with Military Honors will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery, Lawrence. Visitation will be 10 a.m. prior to the funeral service at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Lawrence Humane Society sent in care of the mortuary.
Online condolences may be sent to www.warrenmcelwain.com
Please sign this guestbook at Obituaries.LJWorld.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Otto Stites
Bill Pendleton
June 8, 2012
Russ, You made many wonderful contributions to the body politic, and I am sure all of those you helped along life's way are eternally grateful. Thank you for a life fulfilled.
Yours in,
--kai---
William B. Pendleton '43
Kathy Rasmussen
June 7, 2012
So sorry to hear of Russ' passing. He was a sweet man and I enjoyed spending time in conversations with him. My prayers are with the family
Mary Murphy
June 7, 2012
Sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. The Stites family will be in my prayers.
DICK AND RUTH LOGAN
June 4, 2012
A DEAR SWEET FRIEND -- RUSS WILL BE FOREVER MISSED . BLESSINGS TO THE FAMILY.
Jack Wright
June 4, 2012
So sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. We are thinking of you.
Jack and Judy Wright
Dee Jerome
June 4, 2012
Truly a wonderful person and friend. We have many memories of our times with Russ and Betty. Our deepest sympathy, Tom & Dee Jerome
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
Make a Donation
in Otto Stites's name
Memorial Events
for Otto Stites
How to support Otto's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Otto Stites's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
