Howard Duane Ott, 68, of Gering, passed away Wednesday Oct. 28, 2015, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff after a heroic fight with cancer. 

Howard was born Jan. 19, 1947 in Scottsbluff, to Fred Jr. and Martha (Miller) Ott, then the third of four children. After graduating from Scottsbluff High School in 1965, he attended Chadron State College and Western Nebraska College. He served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 and served one tour of duty in Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. 

In 1973, he married Shari Prideaux (Crow).  They had two sons, Ryan and Jason. They remained friends despite divorcing in 1991. Howard worked at several jobs during his life including Hoffman’s Twin City Pack, Co-Op, Alliance Data Systems and Vertex.

Howard enjoyed playing golf and cribbage in his free time; and loved watching his beloved Huskers, Denver Broncos, and Colorado Rockies.

Survivors include his sons, Ryan (Kimberly) Ott of Corinth, Texas, Jason Ott of Scottsbluff; grandchildren Daede Ott of Gering and Carter Ott of Corinth, Texas; brothers Norm (Linda) Ott of Scottsbluff, Steve (Sue) Ott of Scottsbluff; sister-in-law MaryAnn Ott of Gering; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and numerous friends.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his brother Jerry.