Carlisle — Robert Reynolds Otto, age 93, son of the late Edna Mae and John Otto, died Friday, July 14 following a long and courageous battle with leukemia.

Mr. Otto is survived by his beloved and cherished wife of 72 years, Margaret; three loving children; Sandra McKeehan and Gregory Otto, both of Carlisle, and Carla Otto Jones (Col Gregory Jones, USAF, Retired) of Gainesville, Virginia. Robert also leaves behind six loving grandchildren; MCPO William Kronenberg, USN, Retired (Delores), Christopher Kronenberg, Erin Kronenberg, Trevor Otto (Jenna), Maris Jones and Elina Jones and four great-grandchildren. Bobby was predeceased by an adoring grandson, Stevie Kronenberg, son-in-law, John McKeehan, two brothers; Richard and John Otto and one sister, Doris Myers.

Robert is a World War II and D-Day veteran, where he earned several medals, including the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. He is the first of three generations of US Airborne Paratroopers. The second being Gregory who fought in Vietnam in 1968 with the 101st Airborne Division and the third being Trevor who fought in Iraq in 2003 with the 82nd Airborne Division.

On the morning of June 6, 1944, as a valiant member of the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles), 501st PIR during Operation Neptune, Robert was positioned No. 2 in his stick of paratroopers over Normandy, France; stood up to jump out the door and paused to say a prayer. Within hours he was severely wounded by a German mortar round and given his last rites but survived by the grace of God to live a bountiful 73 more years.

Robert was a member of St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. John’s Masonic Lodge 260, V.F.W. 477, the American Legion Post 101, Carlisle Elks Lodge, all of Carlisle and the Disabled American Veterans in Camp Hill. Robert was an avid Redskin fan and loved woodworking.

Private family services will be held at the Ewing Brothers Funeral Home with Pastor Rob Moore officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society or the Wounded Warrior Project.