Frank C. Otero, age 83, of Joplin, Mo. passed away a 3:38 a.m. Monday, July 16, 2012 at his home following a one month illness. Frank was born March 5, 1929 in Compton, Ca. and had lived in Joplin since 1969. He was employed as the Grounds Supervisor for Ozark Christian College from 1969 until 1984. He then opened A-1 small engine repair until his retirement in 2004.

Frank was a member of the Park Plaza Christian Church and a longtime member of the College Heights Christian Church. He was the founder of Sounds of Brass and Ivory, a music ensemble that traveled all across the United States. Frank had played the trumpet for over 75 years. He was also a member of the College Heights Choir and Orchestra for over 30 years. He was involved in providing Military Honors by playing Taps for veterans throughout the four state area.

Frank married Alice Asendorf on July 6, 1950 in East Los Angeles, Ca. She preceded him in death on March 4, 2009. He was also preceded in death by a son, Daniel F. Otero, a granddaughter, Charity Otero, a daughter in law, Bonnie Otero, and a sister, Gloria Otero Casey. Survivors include two daughters, Sarallie Otero, Eagan, Mn., and Mary Alice Clapp and husband, Bud, Joplin, two sons, Patrick T. Otero and wife Mary, Joplin, and Matthew Otero and wife Marci, Ham Lake, Mn., two sisters, Nympha Board, and Zulemma Samaniego, both of Rancho Cucamonga, Ca., 18 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the College Heights Christian Church Chapel with Johnie Adkins, Randy Gariss, and B.A. Austin, Ministers, officiating. Burial will follow at the Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel. Memorial contributions are requested to the Daniel Otero Scholarship Fund at Ozark Christian College in care of the Mortuary. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.