Ronald Robert "Otis" Deptula

Major Ronald Robert “Otis” Deptula, a United States Air Force veteran and resident of Niceville, FL passed away on Wed, March 15, 2023, at the University of Alabama at Birmingham hospital. Born in Trenton, NJ on August 30, 1959, he was the son of the late Colonel (USAF) Thomas and Alma (Cupchinski) Deptula. He was the husband of Vicki L. (Brouse) Deptula of Niceville, FL (formerly of Montgomery, PA) with whom he celebrated a 37th wedding anniversary on July 15, 2022.

Following graduation from Niceville High School, Ron obtained an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy where he graduated with the class of 1981 and received a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering and went on to complete pilot training while assigned to Columbus AFB, MS. He then attended A-10 pilot training at Davis Monthan AFB, AZ. Ron met Vicki at Myrtle Beach AFB, SC and they were married in Las Vegas, NV in 1986. They continued their adventures at Howard AFB, Panama, Bergstrom AFB, TX, Osan AB, South Korea, Langley AFB, VA, Sheppard AFB, TX, and finally his dream assignment at Eglin AFB, FL. While at Eglin he graciously cared for his parents until their deaths.

Ronald was born and raised in the Catholic faith and interred into eternal rest with last rites and as a Christian. Aside from his wife, he is survived by his stepson Major (USAF) Jeremy Etzkin, his wife Misti, and grandchildren Bradley (Little Rock, AR), Nora, and Evan (Ramstein AB, Germany). In addition to his parents, Ronald was predeceased by his brother William. He is also survived by his sister Linda of Fort Pierce, FL, and brother Kenneth of Phoenix, AZ as well as many nieces and nephews.

A time of visitation for family and friends will be held Sat, March 25, 2023, at 1:00 pm at McLaughlin Twin Cities Funeral Home in Niceville, FL. Military honors will be presented by the Eglin AFB Honor Guard. His final resting place will be at Arlington National Cemetery, VA.

Please visit (website) to sign the guest book. If desired, memorial contributions may be made in Ronald’s honor to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mclaughlintwincities.com.

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