Final Salute

Otis Rid Hinkle, Captain, Supply Corps, United States Navy, (Retired), a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and proud veteran, joined his wife in heaven on January 29, 2025. Born in 1934 and raised on a cotton farm in Frost, Texas, Otis was the only son among six children.

Otis’s life was characterized by a deep commitment to “Faith, Family, and Country.” He left Frost to serve his country with distinction in the United States Navy, attending Officer Candidate School and dedicating nearly 30 years of military service as a Supply Officer. His career took him to international duty in such places as Vietnam, Diego Garcia, Hawaii, and Scotland. In 1985, Otis retired as a Captain and Supply Officer of the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Port Hueneme, now called Naval Base Ventura County.

Never one to stay idle, Otis used his real estate license and began teaching courses to future realtors. In addition, he taught night classes at the Adult School in Ventura and volunteered to educate new Seabees on personal financial management. He also spent many years volunteering at the Retired Activities Office on the base. Otis also served on the Board of the Construction Battalion Center Federal Credit Union and was an active leader with the Military Officers Association of America. Otis was the type of person who would gladly take charge and lead in any given situation presented to him.

Above all, Otis cherished his family. He was married to his beloved wife, Lynn, for 55 wonderful years. After Lynn’s passing, he spent time caring for his family and performing his charitable work. His devotion to his Christian faith, his family and his Navy career defines his life and legacy.

Otis is survived by his two sisters Jo and “little sister” Cille (as Otis called her); sister-in-law Carole Williams (Bobby); his two sons – Steven Rid (Julia) and John Riley (Kathy); four grandkids – Jamie, Ryan Rid (Tricia), Jeffrey and Jillian; and three great-grandsons – William, Asher Rid and Cyrus, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Otis will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his impact and contributions will never be forgotten.

A celebration of Captain Hinkle’s life will be held at Ivy Lawn Funeral Home on Daily Drive in Camarillo on Saturday, March 8th at 11:00 a.m. All who knew him are welcome to attend.

In a private ceremony, his remains will be scattered in the Pacific as Lynn’s remains were in 2012. In addition, a marker will be placed in the town of his birth – Frost, Texas. His wish was that a small portion of his remains be joined with Lynn’s, so they could be joined eternally in the state of their birth.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that supporting the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation would be appropriate in his remembrance, as he and Lynn passionately supported them.