Joseph Theodore Ott

Master Sergeant Joseph Theodore Ott, USAF (Retired), 58, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away on Friday, Sept. 16, 2016. Joe served 26 years in the U.S. Air Force, including seven duty assignments stateside and overseas. As first sergeant, Joe worked with multiple squadrons within the 314th Airlift Wing, later serving in the Federal Civilian Service at the 19th Security Forces Squadron as reports and analysis lead. An innovative leader and mentor, Joe worked closely with military and civilian officials, advising and assisting commanders and first sergeants, who fondly referred to Joe as "Shirt." With a strong conviction for faith and family, Joe was a loving husband, father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to all. With his wife Geannine Ocepek, they raised their son Sean. Joe left a lasting, positive influence on those blessed to have known him. Proud of his Irish heritage, Joe treasured Celtic music, culture, and traditions. He enjoyed playing the bodhran with bandmates in Cairde and in local sessions. Joe was a member of the Southwest Celtic Music Association (SCMA), the Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas (ICSA), and 30 year volunteer with the North Texas Irish Festival. With a passion for all Pittsburgh sports, Joe was a founding father of the Natural Born Steelers fan club and relished every opportunity to don his Black and Gold kilt and jersey, showing support for his Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates. Joe was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geannine Ocepek Ott; father, W. Thomas Ott; and siblings, Tim Ott, Tom Ott, and Sue Ann Starr. Survivors include his son, Sean Ott; mother-in-law, Pat Ocepek; mother, Teresa Ott; six sisters; and a clan of in-laws, outlaws, nieces, nephews, and friends who became family, all of whom will dearly miss Joe's love and laughter. Visitation will be on Sunday, Sept. 25, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Moore's Jacksonville Funeral Home. Interment with Military Honors will be on Monday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m. at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Department of Arkansas Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 1620, North Little Rock, Ark. 72115. Joe's online guestbook may be signed at mooresjacksonvillefuneralhome.com.