Otis Ronald Irving

Otis R. Irving, beloved crossing guard, 80, of Elkhart, died at home on Monday, August 14, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.

Otis was born on January 18, 1943, in Elkhart to the late Cleveland and Roberta (Curry) Irving.  He was the 8th of 11 children.

He married the former Dana Danzy on December 15, 2001, in Elkhart.

Otis enlisted in the United States Army during Vietnam and received an honorable discharge for his service.  He was employed for over 38 years at Bayer, formerly Miles, Inc., as a production worker in the citrus department prior to his retirement.  After his retirement from Bayer, he was employed by the Elkhart Police Department for 20 years as a crossing guard for Woodland Elementary School in Elkhart.  He was well known and loved by faculty, students and their parents who referred to him as “The Crossing Guard”.  In 2021, he was recognized by Indiana senator Linda Rogers, thanking him for being a “positive role model for the children and for keeping the children of our community safe.”

Otis enjoyed serving his church and community.  He was a member of the St. James A.M.E. Church and its usher board, under the leadership of Rev. Dalrey Trotter.  In addition, he paid it forward by volunteering annually as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army during the Christmas season. He enjoyed his weekly walks with his four buddies at Walker Park and thrifting.  Otis was best known for his wit and spreading joy to everyone that he encountered.

Otis leaves cherished memories to his loving wife, Dana Irving; children Ky’Sha Johnson (Harold), Douglas Mitchell, Enrica Verrett, and Linda Porter; sisters Ethel Cotton, Gloria Jones and Clara Irving and brother, Thomas Irving (Sacajawea).  He is also survived by many grandchildren, whom he deeply cherished and a host of relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by a son, Lance Ronald Irving, a daughter, Lisa Irving, brothers David Irving and Cleveland Irving Jr. and sisters, Louise Westmoreland, Clementine Irving, Janice Henderson and Moneta Wells.

Memorial services for Otis will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James A.M.E. Church 122 Martin Luther King Dr. where visitation will begin at 10:00 a.m.  The Rev. William Gary of Wayman Chapel A.M.E. Church in Kokomo will officiate. Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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