Joseph Alma Ott Jr.

Joseph Alma Ott Jr., age 87, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Joe was born on October 22, 1938, in Tropic, Utah, to Joseph Alma Ott and Mabel Charter Ott. He was the youngest of six children. After the untimely passing of his father when Joe was only two years old, he was raised by his devoted mother and the loving support of close relatives in Tropic, Utah. Some of his fondest childhood memories were spent at Yellow Creek with his family. 

Joe graduated from Bryce Valley High School on May 23rd, 1956, where he excelled in basketball, boxing, and track, setting multiple school records. On September 27th, 1961, he was drafted into the United States Army and served his country as a Medic and Company Clerk while stationed in Friedberg, West Germany. Following his military service, he attended the College of Southern Utah, where he earned a degree in Business Administration.

Joe's early career included positions with Union Pacific Railroad and TWA Services, where he spent many years managing the operations at Bryce Canyon Inn and Lodge. It was there that he created some of his most cherished memories and formed lifelong friendships. Following his Army service, Joe worked at the historic Wigwam Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, where he enjoyed golfing and playing tennis. While attending CSU, Joe worked as a bellhop and front desk clerk at the El Escalante Hotel in Cedar City, Utah. During his time there, he met several individuals who would influence his career and professional life. 

Joe eventually made Cedar City, Utah, his full-time home, where he raised his two daughters and built a successful career with New York Life Insurance. Throughout his career, he earned numerous awards and recognitions that allowed him to travel across the country and be honored for his accomplishments. 

Joe is survived by his daughters, Cottia Jo (John) Bender and Robyn Lee Ott; his grandchildren, Victoria Bender and Joseph Bender; the mother of his daughters, Vicky Lyn Nelson; bonus son, David Douglas Miller; and his second wife, Ann Koehler. He is also survived by Ann's children, Elizabeth (Dave) Smith, and John (Jacqueline) Russell, along with their children and grandchildren. Joe leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews whom he cherished throughout his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Alma Ott and Mabel Charter Ott; his sisters, Rella Alvey and Janet Pollock; and his brothers, McCune Ott, Stanley Ott, and J. Robert Ott, and their spouses. 

A dedicated member of his community, Joe was a lifetime member of the Cedar City Elks Lodge, where he served as Chaplain. He was also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Joe will be remembered for his dedication to family, his service to his country and community, his strong work ethic, and the many friendships he cultivated throughout his life. His kindness, humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 12:00 Noon in the Cannonville Ward Chapel, 30 Main St. A visitation will be at the Church from 10:00 to 11:30 am prior to services. Interment will be held in the George Town Cemetery with Military Honors. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.

An online guestbook and livestreaming can be found at www.maglebymortuary.com

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Joe’s memory to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation, which provides immediate and long-term support to wildland firefighters and their families during times of tragedy.