John Neal Otto, 84, of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on October 12, 2026.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City. Burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave., Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.
Neal was born on October 17, 1941, in Ponca City to John and Anastacia Otto. He graduated from Ponca City High School in 1959 and Oklahoma State University in 1964. A proud OSU alumnus, he remained active in the alumni community throughout his life.
Neal dedicated his life to farming, a profession that reflected his deep connection to the land and the place he always called home. He believed in giving back, serving on the Rural Water District No. 3 board for 20 years and the Kildare School Board from 1978 to 1984. He was also a member of the Kay County Cattlemen’s Association and the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Grand Knight and Fourth Degree Faithful Navigator.
Neal married Joan Luis on July 2, 1966, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Ponca City. Throughout their 60 years of marriage, his love and devotion to Joan and their family remained constant. A lifelong Catholic, Neal held his faith close to his heart, and it was reflected in the way he lived his life and cared for those around him.
Neal is survived by his beloved wife, Joan Otto; his children and their spouses, Alan (Kathleen), Dale (Claudia), Brian (Carrie), Chad (Bonnie), and Lisa Simmons (Andrew); his grandchildren, Meredith Carson (Robert), Breanne Spaulding (Ben), Matthew, Victoria Brown (Zackary), Christopher, Nicholas (Aleah), Jack, Tanner, Taylor, Ty, Grady, and Easton; and his great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Adalynn, Elleri, Auren, and Josephine, with two more great-granddaughters on the way. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever cherish the love and memories they shared with him.
He was preceded in death by his son, Troy Otto; his sister, Frances Rothgeb; his brother, Sherman Otto; and his parents, John and Anastacia Otto.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the church he loved, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 408 S. 8th St., Ponca City, Oklahoma 74601.