Otis W. English, Jr. died peacefully in his sleep early Friday, February 12, 2016 in his Lubbock home. He died of complications of mylodysplastic disorder and cardio vascular disease. He was a fourteen year cancer survivor. He was born June 26, 1929 in Lubbock as the eldest son to Dr. O. W. English and Roxie Couch English.

Otis was a Lubbock High School graduate, attended John Tarleton College in Stephenville, TX, served four years in the Navy on the USS Casa Grande, and returned to graduate with an agriculture degree at Texas Tech College. While attending Tech he met Rosemary Bourland, also a Tech student, and they married October 17, 1955. The groom carried his bride over the threshold of the Two Buckle Ranch house in Blanco Canyon in Crosby County, where he lived for the next 60 years. Recently, due to illness, he began living in Lubbock. Otis learned the ranching trade from all of the Blanco Canyon ranchers. As they worked together on round ups, they became his lifelong friends. Otis also learned the history of the Two Buckle Ranch and celebrated a 1984 Centennial event dedicating a State of Texas roadside marker. Otis and Rosemary appreciated opportunities to read and research at local libraries, visiting numerous statewide museums, libraries, and historic sites. He treasured his solo trips to the USS Casa Grande reunions, annual Bob Wills Day in Turkey, Texas as well as his weekday visits and meals at the Crosbyton Senior Citizens Center. He was proud to become a member of The Sons of the Republic of Texas based on his ancestor Otis McGaffey's pioneer life in the Republic of Texas. He was also a member of the First Baptist Church of Crosbyton, and previously attended Second Baptist Church in Lubbock. His life was a testament to Roxie Couch English and his grandfather, D.R. Couch, who passed down a tradition entrenched with a love of the land. Otis spent his life doing what he loved: managing farms in Crosby and Bailey Counties and ranching on the family land. Otis and Rosemary also had an interest in grasses and other native plants. He was a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas as well as the South Plains Plant Society.

Otis was predeceased by his parents, his infant sister, Alice Ann, and by a beloved grandfather D.R. Couch.

He is survived by his wife Rosemary English of Lubbock; three daughters, Lynn English – Pitts and husband Stuart of Cedar Park, TX ; Nancy Mickey and husband Scott of Magnolia, TX; and Rachel Biggerstaff and husband Kyle of Denton, TX; brother Dan C. English and wife Tessa; five grandchildren, Emily and Allyson Mickey, Ellen, Hayden and Carly Biggerstaff; and two step granddaughters Katherine and Stephanie Pitts and husband Iggy Romero.

The family will plan a remembrance ceremony to scatter ashes at "the ranch" and a private inurnment at the Lubbock Cemetery. The family would like to thank the primary and specialty VA clinics for their exceptional care. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to the Crosbyton Senior Citizens Center or charity of your choice.

He deeply and sincerely loved his family, and is remembered for his gentle honest nature, and as a loving husband, father, and grandfather.