Otis Easterling

Otis Melvin Easterling, age 84, of Long Beach was called home on February 10, 2022. A lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast, Otis served four years in the Navy before working as a carpenter and later following his father’s footsteps. He purchased the shrimp boat Joleen, which he worked for many years from Pass Christian harbor, bringing fresh shrimp, oysters and seafood to friends, family and others. Otis was married for 52 years to his loving wife and best friend, Jan.

Otis was a larger-than-life character who was as boisterous as he was generous. He loved dogs, his family and being on the water, often saying his time in the Navy was the happiest in his life because he was able to visit many different countries and experience things good and bad he would never have seen otherwise.

Otis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jan; his parents, Melvin and Mary Easterling; and his brother, Richard. He will be remembered and loved forever by his daughter, Debbie Denison and her husband Paul; brother-in-laws, Will Pavolini and Larry Blakeney; sister-in-law, Linda Blakeney; his special cousin, Rick Lassabe, who he thought of as a brother; and a large extended family of relatives and friends.

At the family’s request, a private interment at Biloxi National Cemetery will occur at a later date.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Long Beach, served the family. Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com