Otis Leon Thrower

A Life Remembered

It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of Otis Leon Thrower, born on
September 7, 1944, in Fordyce, Arkansas, to Herman J. Thrower, Sr. and Edith E. Penix, Otis
was 80 years old when he passed away on June 29, 2025, at his home in the University Park
neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. As the youngest of two brothers and three sisters, his life's
journey was marked by simplicity and kindness towards his family and friends. Although he
never married or had children, Otis likely charmed a girlfriend or two with his warm smile
towards pretty ladies.

Otis was unable to pursue a formal education but received some training at an early age in
Wichita, Kansas, while living with his sister Mildred Norwood. He worked various odd jobs in
Fordyce, Arkansas, and later took a position as a production worker at the Area Agency on
Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington while residing with his sister Jo Ann Childs in
Vancouver, Washington.

Otis had a passion for watching sports, westerns, wrestling, and "The Alligator Hunters" on
television. However, his greatest joy came from fishing. During the summer of 2023, he made
his first big catch and was eager to share his bounty with others, proudly gifting fish to his
brother, George Thrower, who he loved immensely. Otis, a gentle giant, loved sitting on the front
porch, watching people pass by, waving to them, listening to his radio, and singing along to his
favorite songs in "falsetto."

He was a member-in-good-standing of Allen Temple CME Church and voted Democrat in the
last election. His friendly smile had the power to brighten many rooms, and treasured memories
of him will forever resonate in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have known him.
Otis was predeceased by his father, Herman J. Thrower, Sr., mother, Edith E. Thrower, sisters
Mildred Norwood, Jo Ann Childs, and E Jean Scott, and brother Herman J. Thrower, Jr. He is
survived by his brother, George R. Thrower, Sr., a host of nephews, nieces, cousins, in-laws,
extended family and friends.

Viewing will be held on Monday, July 14, from 4-6 PM at Terry Family Funeral Home, located
at 2337 N Williams Ave., Portland, OR 97227.

The memorial service will take place on Tuesday, July 15, at 11 AM at Allen Temple CME
Church, 4236 NE 8th Ave., Portland, OR 97211.

An interment ceremony will follow the memorial service at 1 PM at River View Cemetery,
located at 300 S. Taylors Ferry Road, Portland, OR 97219. A repast will follow at Allen Temple
CME Church.

Flowers, cards, and other expressions of sympathy can be sent to Terry Family Funeral Home at
2337 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227. You may also post a message on the funeral home's
website.

The family extends special thanks to Allen Temple CME Church, the Kaiser Oncology team, and
Signature Hospice. A heartfelt thank you goes out to family and friends who supported

Otis—taking him camping, cooking for him, calling him, taking him to movies and meals,
sending birthday cards and money, driving him around in their pick-up trucks, giving him
presents, trimming his beard, sitting with him, talking with him, and genuinely making Otis feel
loved, respected, and belonging.

Grace and peace to you from God

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