Herman Ottinger

Herman P. "Rusty" Ottinger, 86, of East Brainerd, died Friday evening, July 23, 2010, after a short illness.Born in Sale Creek, Tenn., Mr. Ottinger was a longtime resident of Chattanooga. He was a veteran of the US Army serving as a Sgt. During World War II in Germany, where he met his wife. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal in 2009 for his service during WWII.He was retired from Hills Floral Products Inc. after 40 years of service. He was a member of Covenant Baptist Church for the past 12 years and formerly a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church for 54 years where he was very active in the Russell Tate Sunday School Class.Mr. Ottinger was a 54 year active member of the East Lake Masonic Lodge #698, 54 year member of East Lake OES #238, Member of the Alhambra Shrine for 31 years, Scottish Rites, Legion of Honor where he had served as a past commander, American Legion Post 148 where he served as treasurer for 30 years, VFW Post 1289, past secretary of Red Fez Club, past Secretary of Oposum Creek Shrine Club, past finance secretary for Office of International Association of Legion of Honor, and past treasurer of the Highland Park Masonic Lodge.He was the historian of the Southeastern Legion of Honor, Emeritus member of the International Legion of Honor and had the honor of placing a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery for 18 years.He was the son of the late Benjamin Earl and Ida Mae Price Ottinger. He was preceded in death by his first wife of 51 years, Vicky Ottinger; second wife of 12 years, Betty Mahoney Ottinger; two brothers, Doc and Norman Ottinger, and two sisters-in-law, Patty and Ann Ottinger.Survivors are his nephew and caregiver, Curtis L. Ottinger, Ooltewah; brother, Billy E. Ottinger, Chattanooga; sister -in-law, Joyce Ottinger, Montgomery, Ala.; several other nieces and nephews including, Leslie Ottinger, Reba Davis, Bernice Ottinger, David Ottinger, Gail Farris, Randy Ottinger, Barry Ottinger, Marty Ottinger, Del Ottinger and Tim Ottinger; several great-nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday at Heritage Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Billy Dean and the Rev. Les Fauntleroy officiating. Burial will be in the National Cemetery with full military honors.Pallbearers will be Bob Reeves, Rick Durham, Bob Hill, Ben Miller, Bob Puckett, and Wayne Roach. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the East Lake Masonic Lodge, East Lake OES, Legion of honor and fellow shriners.Visit www.heritagefh.com to share words of comfort and view the memorial tribute.The family wishes to thank Amedisys Hospice for their loving care and friendship to the family.The family will receive friends 5-8 p.m. today at Heritage Funeral Home, 7454 E. Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, TN 37421.