William Karl Otte, Jr.
William Karl Otte, Jr., 87, of League City, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 17, 2025. Born on February 4, 1938, in Waco, Texas, he was the son of William Karl Otte, Sr. and Rossina Louise Otte. A proud Texan, Bill grew up in La Marque, graduating from La Marque High School in 1956. He went on to study at the University of Texas at Arlington from 1956 to 1958 and later graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1961.
Bill married Diana Elaine “Dee” Damiani, on December 5, 1964, in Galveston, Texas. Together, they raised two sons, William Karl Otte III and Christopher Lance Otte, who were their pride and joy. He and Dee were married 58 years and lived in Galveston, Texas City, Huntsville and League City during the course of their lives together.
Answering a lifelong call to service, Bill joined the Texas Air National Guard on June 2, 1961, and faithfully served with the 147th Fighter Interceptor Group until his retirement on February 4, 1988. Over the course of his distinguished military career, he rose through the ranks from Airman Basic to Major. His dedication and excellence were recognized through numerous commendations, including the Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Award, Small Arms Marksmanship Ribbon, Governor’s Unit Citation, Texas Faithful Service Medal, Texas Adjutant General’s Certificate of Commendation, and the Lone Star Distinguished Service Medal, among others.
Bill also dedicated more than four decades to the field of medical radiology and nuclear medicine. He began his professional career as a Research Technician in the Department of Radiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in 1961, later serving as Technical Director of the Nuclear Medicine Division from 1963 to 1980. He then became Assistant to the Chairman of the Department of Radiology from 1980 to 1991, and from 1991 until his retirement in 2005, he served as Administrator of Radiology at UTMB. In addition, he shared his expertise as an Instructor in Radiological Sciences at Galveston College and the UTMB School of Allied Health Sciences. His early career also included time as an Assistant Chemist with Dow Chemical Company.
His professional achievements were complemented by active membership in many professional societies, including the Society of Nuclear Medicine, the Society of Nuclear Medicine Technologists, the American Hospital Radiology Administrators, the Medical Group Management Association, and the National Eagle Scout Association, among others. He also served on multiple UTMB committees, where his leadership helped shape education and policy in radiological sciences.
Bill’s devotion to community service was just as significant as his professional and military accomplishments. A lifelong supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, he served as Scoutmaster of Troop 244 in La Marque from 1984 to 1991, later holding leadership roles including Vice President for Programs, Council Commissioner, and ultimately Council President of the Bay Area Council. His extraordinary service to Scouting was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award, one of Scouting’s highest honors.
A man of deep faith, Bill was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus, joining in 1966 and advancing to the 4th Degree in 1976. He served as Past Grand Knight of Msgr. Kirwin Council #787 in Galveston. He was also a member of the Galveston Serra Club, served on the O’Connell School Board of Trustees—where he was President of the Board from 1988 to 1990—and contributed to the Galveston United Way Budget and Allocations Committee. Locally, he supported youth as a member of the La Marque Little League Board of Directors, where he also served as Vice President.
Bill will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and community leader whose life embodied service, integrity, and love of country.
He is survived by his sons William Karl “Trey” Otte III (wife Patti and son Will) and Christopher Lance “Chris” Otte (wife Jennifer and sons Carson and Carter); sister RoseMary Otte Smith; and dozens of family members both here and in Vienna, Austria, where Bill’s father was born and raised. He is preceded in death by his wife, Diana Elaine Otte, his parents, and his granddaughter Kate Otte.
Services will be held at Crowder Funeral Home, 1645 E. Main, in League City. Visitation will be held at 6:00 pm Friday, October 10, followed immediately by a rosary at 7:00 pm and a memorial service at 7:30 pm. A private interment will be held on Saturday, October 11, at Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Galveston. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Bay Area Council of Scouting America in memory of William K. Otte, Jr.
In Loving Memory of Bill Otte
With deep sorrow, we say goodbye to Bill Otte – a true Texan by birth, whose heart always reached across the ocean. His love for his family in Austria was genuine and unwavering, and he nurtured that bond with warmth, humor, and tireless dedication.
Bill was more than just a relative – he was a bridge between cultures, a storyteller whose voice still echoes in our memories. His calls, his visits, his heartfelt words – all remain alive within us.
To us here in Austria, Bill was part of our everyday lives, even though he lived thousands of miles away. He showed us that family knows no borders – neither geographical nor emotional.
We will never forget him. His laughter, his voice, his love for his roots and for his Austrian relatives – all of it lives on in our thoughts and conversations.
Rest in peace, dear Bill. You will always be a part of us.
An amazing tribute to your father Trey and to his beloved family. He truly was Gods man in all he did and his many contributions professionally and personally. My heart holds yours in prayers and the sorrow and tears of loss. But I also celebrate with you as he truly left our world better by his presence and service. I love you all.