Marion A. "Tony" Ottea passed May 22, 2021 at his home surrounded by his family and dear friends after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Tony was born in the Brazos River “bottom” near Hearne, Texas on November 14, 1934. He attended Texas A & M, was a career officer in the Air Force as a master navigator and engineer (retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1975). Tony received a degree in Electrical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology. He lived a busy and full life.
Following his military service, Tony embarked upon and found success in several profession endeavors. He worked for Electrospace Systems, a defense contractor in Richardson where he met and married his beloved Mary Ellen Harold, who was his partner for the next 42 years til his death. Tony founded a real estate company and sold commercial real estate for many years. Professional engineering was his last endeavor which continued until 2020 when he finally retired reluctantly at the age of 85.
He was an avid gardener, really a horticulturist at heart. His landscaping designs and koi ponds were magnificent. Tony had a true gift for creating beauty in his surroundings no matter where he lived for all his adult life. He was also a talented artist and photographer.
Tony often said he had a charmed and blessed life. He loved his life, his Mary Ellen, his kids and family and his numerous friends. Tony didn’t know a stranger and loved telling stories and jokes.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ottea; daughters, Cindy Doolittle and husband, Mark and Julie Fife and husband, Kevin; son, Jim; grandchildren, Danyelle, Nick, Kelly, Cameron, Kayti, Dylan, Brett and Shelby; nephews, Amos Jr. and Mike Stiborik; niece, Theresa Stiborik Fontana.
Tony was preceded in death by his parents, Tony Matt Ottea and Janie Viviano Ottea; and his favorite playmate and sister, Jeanette Stiborik.
A special “Thank You” to all the staff at Amnity Hospice for their loving kindness and care for Tony and our family. The family has reserved a special place in their hearts for Dad’s critical care hospice nurses, Joseph and Yannick. Additionally, the entire Ottea family has learned the true meaning of friendship, thoughtfulness and giving from Eddie, Merita and Artan Saliu. It will never be forgotten.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow Funeral Home in Allen, Texas. The service will also be live streamed at TJMfuneral.com on Marion’s obituary page by clicking on the following link: https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/marion-a-tony-ottea. After the service, the recorded live stream will be available for viewing at the same link location. Interment will follow at Melissa Cemetery. The family will receive friends during a visitation on Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.