Rites held for Otis Harrington
Loy Ottis Harrington, called L.O. or Otis by his family, friends, and business associates, left this earthly life to go to his home in Heaven on Sunday Sept 24th, 2023, at the age of 92.
L.O. was born on May 24th, 1931, in C-Tree Oklahoma to W.B. and Abbie (Turnny) Harrington. As the eldest of eight children, L.O., affectionately called “Son” by his parents, worked hard on the family farm alongside his siblings, cultivating his industrious character. L.O. graduated from Atwood High School in 1949, joined the 45th infantry division of the National Guard and was subsequently activated to active duty. He served in the Army during the Korean War in several capacities. His final assignment was driving a truck to deliver supplies to the troops on the front line.
L.O. knew of Marilyn Sparks from high school but reconnected after L.O.’s return from Korea. As he was driving down the street in Holdenville, Oklahoma he spied Marilyn walking on her lunch break and whipped a U-Turn in his ‘53 Ford to promptly ask her on a date. Six months later, they married on March 7th, 1953, and shared 70 years of adventurous life together. They raised three children, who would describe L.O. as an upbeat, dependable, and generous father. Their home was always open, whether for those in need or for joyful family and church gatherings, such as their annual hosting of a ‘Bean Supper/Auction’ to raise money for Oklahoma Christian College with L.O. working as the auctioneer.
L.O. embodied true hospitality, offering temporary shelter to those in need and fostering children without any financial compensation. L.O. provided for his family by working at BS+B as a welding instructor early in his marriage and then later became a home builder and developer as well as a Farmer’s insurance agent until his retirement in 2011 at age 80. L.O. was not just a man of business but also a man of community spirit, contributing as the Moore Home Builders Association President in 1990 and serving on the Moore Planning Commission (1988-2001), the Moore Board of Adjustment (19892001) and was on the Board of the Moore Work Activity Center until 2018 (at one point presiding as President). This center held a special place in his heart as they provide meaningful employment for individuals with disabilities.
L.O. was a lover and participator in life. Through his life his interests were many: Sooner football, vegetable gardening, tree planting, restoring old cars + tractors, and helping others with projects or needs. And of course, his love of good food was undeniable. Most importantly, L.O. was a devoted follower of Christ. Through the years he taught Bible classes at Oakcrest Church of Christ, met with people on an individual basis to share “the good news”, and contributed both physically and financially to mission work. He participated in the prison ministry and traveled with Marilyn for mission work to Portugal, Scotland, Massachusetts, and New York. Known for his jovial, fun-loving personality and generous spirit, L.O. will be remembered as the kind of person that everyone needs in their life.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister Charlene (Tommy) McFerran, and several beloved in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He is survived by his wife Marilyn Harrington, daughter Debbie Kraft (Gene) of Richmond, Virginia, son Steve Harrington (Sharon) of Moore, Oklahoma, son Mark Harrington (Shari) of Arlington, Texas. He loved his many grandchildren: Nathan (Stephanie) Harrington, Stefanie (Eric) Williams, Sarah (Mason) Earp, Madeline Harrington, Allison Harrington, and his great-grandchildren: Dakota Harrington, Ashton Harrington, Aadyn Harrington, Fisher Williams, Spencer Williams, and Eloise Earp. He is survived by six younger siblings: Otto (Imogene) Harrington, Loretta (Phillip, d.) Legg, Glen (Jo Etta) Harrington, Lois (Don, d.) Meeks, David (Kathy) Harrington, and Ann (Terry) Janda.
The funeral was Friday, September 29 at 2pm at Oakcrest Church of Christ directly followed by burial at Resthaven Cemetery (