Donald Ray Ottinger, 95, of Bloomington, Indiana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 25, 2025.

Don was born on June 29, 1930, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Ray William and Hazel L. (Fuller) Ottinger. He grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, with his sister, Carol Eugenie Ottinger.

He earned his bachelor's degree from Indiana State Teacher's College (ISTC) in Terre Haute and went on to receive his doctorate in psychology from Purdue University. Don's career was spent as both a professor and a child psychologist, combining teaching, research, and clinical practice. He taught graduate-level psychology for many years at Purdue University, where he eventually became Professor Emeritus, and also maintained a private clinical practice that helped countless children and families. Earlier in his career, he worked at Larue Carter Hospital in Indianapolis. He was also named a Sagamore of the Wabash, one of Indiana's highest honors.

Don served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, completing basic training at Camp Atterbury in Indiana and serving the remainder of his military commitment at Fort Sheridan, north of Chicago, before returning to Indiana to continue his education and begin his professional life.

On May 15, 1954, Don married Joyce Mildred Mattice in Chicago, Illinois. Joyce, the daughter of Charles and Mildred (Smuck) Mattice, shared with Don a 61-year marriage filled with love, family, and curiosity about the world. Don and Joyce met at ISTC, and she had a short career as a grade school teacher. Together they raised three children -- Brian, Kurt, and Betsy -- and built a life filled with creativity and adventure.

Over the years, Don and Joyce made their home in many places, including Speedway (part of Indianapolis), Indiana; West Lafayette, Indiana; Venice, Florida; Bloomington, Illinois; and finally Bloomington, Indiana.

Don's interests were wide-ranging and lifelong. He restored Model A Fords and took annual fishing trips to Canada with close friends and family. He was an accomplished woodworker, building furniture, clocks, bowls, and musical instruments including a harpsichord, harp, dulcimer, bowed psaltery, lyre, zither, and more. He made black powder rifles and pistols, experimented with winemaking, traced his family history through genealogy, and even briefly sold winemaking supplies and fine art from their home.

He and Joyce loved to travel and took full advantage of academic sabbaticals, living for extended periods in Mexico City, Mexico; Kodiak, Alaska; Swansea, Wales; and San Diego, California. Their travels also took them around the world by plane, by ship, and sometimes by train, along with backpacking -- exploring widely, always curious, and always ready for the next adventure.

Don was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Joyce, in 2015, at the age of 84, and his sister, Carol, in 1992.

He is survived by his three children, Brian (Nancy), Kurt (Nina), and Betsy (Dan); six grandchildren, Katie, Dan (Betsy), Ian (Rebekah), Eric (Erica), Alex (Abby), and Melanie (Dan); six great-grandchildren -- June, Olive, Daisy, Jack, Maggie, and Hattie -- and two step-great-grandchildren -- Rylie and Jason -- who were embraced as part of the family. He took great pride in the family they represent.

Don's family will miss him deeply and remember him fondly.