Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 10
November 20, 1958
NUMBER 29, PAGE 3a

Brother Otey Has A Light Stroke

Cecil Willis, Kansas City, Missouri

On Friday morning, October 10, between 9 and 10 o'clock, Brother W. W. Otey had a light stroke at his home in Winfield, Kansas. As he started to sit down in his favorite chair in the living room, he suddenly fell, striking the right side of his head a terrific blow. Temporarily he was stunned and helpless. Soon he was able to drag himself back to his chair, got his shoulders in the chair, and was soon able to sit up in the chair, though he could not walk for some time.

The doctor diagnosed a light stroke. Since then, the blood clot formed on the brain has passed from a danger state, the doctor says. I do not know whether it has dissolved or changed locations. But Brother Otey is recuperating. He is not paralyzed in any way, though he is not quite up to par right now. Though Brother Otey lives alone at 315 E. 7th, his daughter lives only two doors away.

This information is passed along because of the fact that Brother Otey is quite generally known, and I know brethren everywhere are interested in his welfare.

Extract of letter from Otey to Tant

"The doctor who has had me as a patient for five years gave a very careful examination. He said that it was a small blood clot on the brain, but that it had passed on without doing any permanent damage. Will you be surprised when I tell you it actually gave me a feeling of satisfaction? For some years my greatest dread has been that I might gradually fade out and be an invalid as a care on loved ones. With the evidence of this light stroke I am now able to hope that my prayers may be granted: that when I am called I may go quickly. For several years I have put out of my mind any thought of the reality of death, I suppose, as much as most any man. There was so much I wanted to do; and I could never think of leaving Mother here. My most earnest prayers for four full years were that I might live and take care of that great woman till she was called. For the years she was so sick I was by her side day and night. Now she is gone; no one is dependent on me for help. And surely, ninety-two years is enough! The face of that pure sixteen year old girl, as she was when I first beheld her, is vividly before my mind much of the day and night. My heart is on the other side. But large numbers of young men are exchanging letters with me, and assure me that I have been of help and encouragement to them. So, while I can be of any use to the Cause, I shall try to render what aid I can."