Harry Alan Ottway, 86, of Paducah, Ky passed away at 1:23 PM On Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Baptist Health of Paducah.
He was born in Princeton, KY on April 28, 1939 and moved with his family to Paducah the following year, where they settled in the community of Reidland. He graduated from Reidland High School in 1957 and often shared fond memories of playing basketball and of his cherished classmates.
Harry joined the United States Marine Corps after graduating high school and trained at Parris Island, SC with the Third Battalion. He served in Kaneohe Bay Oahu, T.H. with the 1st Marine Brigade and Reconnaissance Battalion. He remained close with many fellow marines throughout his lifetime and looked forward to a yearly Marine Corps Birthday call between them all.
A Master Plumber and Pipefitter, Harry was a member of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 184. He enjoyed his work to the fullest, traveling in the US and abroad, working in places such as Puerto Rico, Africa, and in Alaska on the infamous Alaskan Pipeline. He became an expert at estimating and bidding jobs, in the latter years trying his hand at owning/operating a small contracting company. He was well known for expecting perfection in work and has passed that trait on through the generations. "There is only one way that is the right way and that is Ottway."
Harry attended Gospel Mission Worship Center, Heartland Church, and Bethel Tabernacle in Paducah. He was baptized as an adult in the Pentecostal church and strongly believed in salvation through Jesus Christ. He often spoke of the power of prayer and how his life changed after accepting Jesus.
Harry loved and guarded his family with a fierceness that has no comparison. He was seen (and heard) at side lines of many basketball, football, baseball, soccer, and volleyball games of his beloved grandchildren. He enjoyed animals and nature, golfing, snorkeling, water and snow skiing, hiking, rappelling, skydiving, white water rafting, and many other adventurous activities that he shared with family and friends.
Mr. Ottway is survived by his daughter, Jill M Peppers of Paducah; youngest daughter, Susie K (Chad) Pruitt of Lexington, KY; bonus daughter, Laurie S (Tom) Apple of Paducah, Ky; grandsons, Tad A Payne of Paducah, KY, Robert B Copeland of Paucah,KY, R Alex Ligon of Paducah, KY and granddaughters, Jordin M Durard of Paducah, KY, Kristen McDaniel of Paducah, KY, Madison L Wayt of Paducah, KY, Susanna B Copeland of Paducah, KY, Rayne K Copeland of Paducah, KY, and Lauren E Ligon of Paducah, KY; several great-grandchildren; and one great-great granddaughter.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard V. Ottway and Katherine "Kitty" M. Palmer Ottway; brothers, Leonard L. Ottway, Ivor J. Ottway, and sister, Carol A. Ottway; eldest daughter, Sherri L. Ottway; and niece, Gale A. Grisham.
A graveside service with military honors will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Kentucky Veterans Cemetery West in Hopkinsville, KY.
Visitation will be held from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations made to Bethel Tabernacle, 2100 Bridge Street, Paducah, KY 42003.
You may leave a message of sympathy or light a memorial candle at www.hughesfuneral.com.
Hughes Funeral Home in Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
