Otto Hugh Spilker

Otto Hugh Spilker, died on Friday, May 5 at the age of 90. Otto was born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1926. He was the only child of Lena and Hugh Spilker, attended high school in St. Louis, and continued his education at Hadley Tech and Washington University. Otto served in the U.S Army from 1952-1956 and then received his PhD at Indiana University where he also met the love of his life, Peggy McCall. He received his Doctorate in Health and Physical Education and he and Peggy married in 1958. He then moved to Cullowhee and joined the faculty at Western Carolina University in 1962. Otto was promoted to Professor in 1969 and taught in the Health and Physical Education Department for 33 years. He coached the men's gymnastics team, taught scuba diving and many other classes. Teaching, fitness and his family were his passions. He retired in 1995 with the rank of Professor Emeritus. Otto published a textbook with his good friend, Keg Wheeler, called "Physical Education Curriculum Activities Kit for grades K-6" in 1991. He remained active at WCU until 2012. Otto is survived by his three daughters Margaret L. Spilker of Cullowhee, NC, Naomi S. Ramsey and Husband Randy Ramsey of Cullowhee, NC and Vivian A. Spilker of Columbia SC. No memorial services are planned. You can donate to the Otto Spilker Scholarship Fund by going to the WCU website http://wcu.edu/engage/give-to-wcu/index.aspx