2025ObituariesDonald Lee Ott

Donald Lee Ott, 83, went home to be with the Lord on January 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Born on February 28, 1941, in Watson, Louisiana, Donald Lee was a man of God who dedicated his life to serving Him and introducing others to Jesus. His faith was unshakable, and his love for people was endless. He lived each day with a heart full of love for his family and friends.

A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Donald Lee’s unwavering guidance and compassion left a lasting impact on all who knew him. In his younger years, he enjoyed being a jockey, a passion that reflected his adventurous spirit. Donald Lee was also blessed with a vision for bringing God’s gifts to life for others to enjoy. In 1977, he began his journey in land development, using his keen eye and determination to transform raw land into beautiful subdivisions. His latest venture was starting a gravel mining operation with James and Gail Nolan, and he took great joy in seeing the production and watching it grow. He was a successful businessman who worked hard, building a life and legacy through perseverance and faith.

Donald Lee also had a passion for working the land in other ways—he had the most beautiful garden every year and loved watching others pick fresh vegetables for their families. He found joy in operating his bulldozer, caring for his cattle, and spending time with friends. Donald Lee’s love for his family fueled his passion for cattle raising, especially after his father’s passing, as he sought to carry on his father’s legacy.

His career and hobbies were surpassed only by his deep commitment to faith and his mission to share God’s love. He expressed this devotion through beautifully hand-carved wood displays, including the 35-foot cypress cross at Tranquility Lakes Holy Land. Among his works was a vision of Jesus on the Cross, intricately carved with a chainsaw into a special cypress log carried by the Amite River during a flood, as well as a depiction of the Lord’s Supper, delicately carved into another cypress log washed up by the river. These creations served as a witness to others. He was also proud to share his land for baptisms in the Amite River, where many came to publicly declare their faith.

Donald Lee is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sylvia “Tibby” Ott; children, Russell Lee Ott (Bridgette), Jason Todd Ott (Jonette), Jana Ott O’Neal (Freddy), Leigh Ann Ott, and Curtis Ott; grandchildren, Jeremie (Melissa), Jacob (Adrienne), Jared (Brittany), Joshua (Katye), Joseph, Taylor (Brittany), Anna Grace, Dakota, Breleigh (Landon), Kaslyn (Jordan), Ellye, and Drake; 12 great-grandchildren; sisters, Joy Sibley and Janice Britton (Danny); brother, Cecil Ott (Bobbie); and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alvin Ott and Eula Lee Ott, and his father- and mother-in-law, Gene and Hattie Watson.

Donald Lee’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers, and honorary pallbearers include Tim Peak, Rudy Chandler, James Nolan, Austin Butler, Bill Russell, John Robert Eisworth, and Whip Brown.

Family and friends are welcome to gather in honor of Donald Lee’s memory on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Journey Church, 17407 Greenwell Springs Road, Central, Louisiana. Visitation will continue Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Journey Church from 9:00 AM until the Celebration of Life at 11:00 AM, officiated by Pastor Jay Coleman, Pastor Jeremy Quintini, and Brother Johnny Morgan. A graveside service will immediately follow at Amite Baptist Church Cemetery in Denham Springs, Louisiana.

Donald Lee’s love for the Lord, his family, and his community will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know him. Though he is now in the presence of his Savior, his legacy of faith, love, and service will live on in our hearts forever.