Otis Wilson

Otis Franklin Wilson passed away at his home in Taos on Tuesday June 26th, 2007.

He was born to Lee and Lula Wilson on May 16th, 1932 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was part of a large and colorful family of 14 children. Otis grew up in Santa Fe, and graduated from Santa Fe High School.

He married Neva Payne in Jal, New Mexico in March of 1956. The two traveled together while Otis worked in the pipeline industry, and eventually settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he became a custom home builder for many years.

Otis found his calling in 1977 when he and Neva opened their first Southwest and Indian art gallery in Tulsa. In 1984 Otis returned to New Mexico and settled in Taos where he has lived ever since. Together he and Neva owned Rainy Mountain Trading Post, Western Heritage Art Gallery, and Six Directions Gallery on the Plaza.

Through the years many people passed through his gallery and received the benefit of an "Otey-ism", which was valuable wisdom delivered with a smile and a handshake. Otis never met a stranger, helped anyone who asked, and kept his upbeat optimism till the end. He made life his hobby, and loved to play dice and cards with his son Jim in Las Vegas, and spend hours discussing cinematic art with his daughter Laura.

He is survived by his wife Neva of 51 years, his son Jim and wife Gabriella Wilson, and grandchildren Alex, Rachel, and Eric Wilson of Enid, Ok, daughter Laura Haskins, and grandson Mathew Trevathan of Cleveland, Ohio, brother Leon and wife Ramona Wilson of Albuquerque, sister Opal Doane of Denver, Colorado, brother Charles and wife Joaquina Wilson of Santa Fe, sister Mary Karnes of Albuquerque, brother Phillip and wife Direen Wilson of Tucumcari, sister Janet and husband Joe Hornbeck of Edmond, Ok., brother Don and wife Jean Wilson of Santa Fe, and countless numbers of cherished nieces, nephews, in-laws and dear friends. He was proceeded in death by his parents, Lee and Lula Wilson, infant sisters Mary, Ruth, Della and Stella Wilson, and brothers James and John Wilson.

A memorial service was held on June 30th at Santa Fe Church of Christ (Galisteo & Cordova Rd.)

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, and condolences may be mailed to P.O Box 1042, Taos, New Mexico, 87571.