Otis Shives

March 05, 2015

Service Details

Otis G. Shives, of Des Moines, passed away at Mercy Hospice in Johnston on Thursday, March 5, 2015, at the age of 87. Otis was born on a rural farm in Marion County on September 26, 1927, the first child of Floyd “Bud” and Hazel (Lindly) Shives. He attended grade school at Gosport, Iowa, and Jr. High and High School at Dallas, Iowa, graduating in 1944.

Otis attended the University of Iowa in the fall of 1944, majoring in Engineering. In the fall of 1945 he returned to college, but was drafted into the Army later that fall, and was in basic training by February 1946. He arrived in Japan on June 24, 1946, and became a paratrooper with the 187th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 11th Airborne Division at Hachinohe; then later the 188th at Sendai, Japan. He was honorably discharged on October 22, 1949 at Camp Stoneman in San Francisco, California.

After returning to Des Moines, Otis married Irene Macy on March 8, 1952, and together they had three children and enjoyed fifty-two years of marriage. As a young adult, Otis worked at several places, including Solar Aircraft for three years, and Globe Hoist Company for five years. He began working at John Deere Des Moines Works in December 1959 and retired in April 1994, after 34 years of service.

Otis was a man of integrity and moral values, a fervent patriot, an avid reader and had an exceptional work ethic. His life centered around his wife and family, and he loved seeing his grandchildren, cousins, and also many life-long friends. He had a saying for every event and lived by his convictions! He was truly an example of sincerity and loyalty.

Otis was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Irene Shives; his daughter, Sheila Shives; his brother, Loren Shives; and his son-in-law, David Eilts.

Those left to honor his life and cherish his memory include his daughter, Laurie Eilts, of Norwalk; his son, Russell Shives, of Des Moines; his sister, Norma (Oscar) Holcomb, of Des Moines; and his sister-in-law, Betty Shives of Trion, Georgia. Also surviving are four grandchildren: Rachel Harban, Paul (Lindsey) Eilts, Katherine Eilts, and Samuel (Samantha) Shives; plus a new great-granddaughter, Lily Mae Shives. Otis also has many extended family and friends.

There will be a visitation on Monday, March 9, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 PM at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 S.W. 9th. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 10th at 2:00 PM at Gosport Cemetery, which is eight miles south of Knoxville, Iowa.

Memorial gifts may be given to the Fort Des Moines Church of Christ or a charity of your choice in Otis’ name.

The family would like to thank those who cared for our father in a variety of ways. He truly appreciated Dr. Darrel Devick, Mercy Home Hospice and Mercy Hospice in Johnston. He was thankful to all who were a part of his life, and he will be greatly missed. He was the best of men, beloved father, and faithful friend.

Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

Print