Otha Carrico, better known as “Buck” by his family and friends, was born March 6, 1932 in Belvidere, South Dakota to J. Otto and Ann (Pluta) Carrico. He was baptized at the Scared Heart of Mary Church in Belvidere where he was a parishioner throughout his time living in the area. Buck attended Belvidere Public School and graduated in the spring of 1951.

The Carrico’s moved to Rapid City in the fall of 1951 where Buck enrolled in the National School of Business. In January of 1952 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Texas, Georgia, England, and Morocco, being honorably discharged in late 1956. Buck returned to South Dakota and attended college at Black Hills State University. After his graduation, he taught high school in Custer, Montana, for eight years. He then moved to Oregon and continued his teaching career for another twenty plus years. He taught in Toledo, Siletz, and Newport high schools. After his retirement he moved to Quartzsite, Arizona, where he has since resided.

Survivors include one brother Keith (Jane) Carrico of Florence, Oregon; nephews: Mark Owens of Sioux Falls, Todd and Tracy Owens of Rapid City, and Roman Carrico of Phoenix, Arizona; niece Pamela Leach of Henderson, Nevada; and a host of other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Otto and Ann Carrico, brother Thomas “Tom” (Helen) Carrico, and sister Phyllis Owens.

Cards and memorials may be sent to P.O. Box 3042 Florence, OR 97439.

Graveside services with military honors will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, October 19, at the Belvidere Community Cemetery with Deacon Lloyd Frein officiating.