Ottis Lee Cave, Jr., 98

Published 9:16 am Monday, January 27, 2025

Ottis Lee Cave, Jr., 98, of Stanford, KY passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Born on October 31, 1926, in Cub Rub, KY to the late Ottis Lee Cave, Sr. and the late Audrey Highbaugh Cave. Ottis was a man of many hats and accomplishments, all of which he wore with humility and grace. He served his nation valiantly in the U.S. Army and was one of Lincoln County’s last World War II veterans, always quipping that he was in Casablanca before Humphrey Bogart, where he served as an MP. Following his military service, Ottis became a respected merchant, owning and operating the Boone & Cave Store in Stanford for 37 years. His dedication to his community was evident in his roles as a former Stanford City Councilman and Board Member of the Stanford Senior Citizen Center. A longstanding member of Lincoln Lodge F.&A.M. 60 for 70 years, the Scottish Rites of Louisville, and the Shriners of Lexington, Ottis’ contributions were as vast as his heart. Ottis was a faithful Christian, a longtime member, deacon, and trustee at Stanford Baptist Church, and at the time of his passing, a member of Stanford Christian Church.
Survivors include his loving wife of 69 years, Sara Lynn Boone Cave of Stanford; two sons, O. Lee Cave III (Andy) of Louisville, KY and Robert Boone Cave (Dani) of Lexington, KY; one daughter, Christy Lynn Cave Karwatt (Steve) of Sarasota FL; four grandchildren, Steven Karwatt (Meghan), Kelly Karwatt Gleason (Sean), Becca Cave and Amanda Cave; three great grandchildren, Giuliana Karwatt, Steven D. Karwatt and Tate Gleason; two brothers, Emery Cave and Gordon Cave; two sisters-in-law, Julie Cave and Terry Boone Balough; and many loving nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ottis, Sr. and Audrey Cave; three brothers, Wendell Cave, Ancil Cave and Wilford Cave; one brother-in-law, Owen Peagler; and four sisters-in-law, Betty Cave, Charlene Cave, Lorraine Cave and Darlene Cave.
Visitation will be on Friday, January 31, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. at Spurlin Funeral Home in Stanford, KY. Masonic Rites presented by Lincoln Lodge F.&A.M. 60 will begin at 5:45 p.m.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Stanford Christian Church with Dr. Jeremy Johnson and Bro. Greg Hancock officiating. Burial will follow at Buffalo Springs Cemetery, with Bro. Timothy Boschen officiating, followed by Full Military Honors.
Honorary Pallbearers are John Stevens, Jim Decker and Gary Lanham.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Stanford Christian Church, 200 East Main St., Stanford, KY 40484