Unfortunately, due to age and deterioration of the building, we were unable to salvage the Moran Building. As a result, in 2014 the building was completely demolished to make way for the new Bristol Senior-Community Center. In 2020, Pat Barrow and the Barrow family generously donated the adjacent property, which paved the way to begin construction on our new center in 2022.
As an ongoing legacy and tribute for their many contributions to the Bristol Community over the years, we would like to say “Thank You” for the donations of properties supporting our efforts. For without these generous property donations, none of this would be possible. Their kind benevolence and commitment to serving the Bristol Community lives on through a legacy of community service and love for community.
Milton Otto: 1924 – 2006
Milton Otto was born the oldest of four children to John Otto and Hazel (Petersen) Otto on August 20, 1924. Milton and his siblings spent most of their childhood on a farm near Richfield, Kansas. Milton then served in the United States Army Air Corps as a radar mechanic stationed in the Aleutian Islands (a chain of islands off of Alaska) from 1944 to 1946. While Milton was in the service, his family moved to Hartman, Colorado, and then to Bristol, Colorado. After returning from the service, Milton was visiting relatives near Wichita, Kansas where he met Joyce Artley and they were married in 1949.
Joyce (Artley) Otto: 1930 – 2018
Joyce Artley was born the younger of two daughters on March 11, 1930 in Scottsbluff, Nebraska to James Artley and Salome (Maurer) Artley. The family then moved to Cheney, Kansas to be closer to family and this is where Joyce and her sister grew up.
After Milton and Joyce were married in 1949, Milton’s job took them to Augusta, Kansas where they started their family with the birth of their oldest daughter, Karla Kay, in 1952.
In the fall of 1953, the young family moved from Augusta, Kansas to Bristol, Colorado so that Milton could help his dad, John Otto, with the family farming operation. Enduring the dust storms of the 1950’s was a new experience for Joyce! Milton and Joyce then added Kristi, Glenn and Karoline to their family after moving to Bristol.
Milton continued to farm but saw a real need that he could fill. Getting repairs and parts for farm equipment meant a time-consuming trip to Lamar, so he opened Otto Repair, an agricultural sales and repair business. There were those who looked at his prices and announced they could get the same thing a nickel cheaper in Lamar, but the reason Milton went into business was that the stores in Lamar might be closed when you really needed something. He and Joyce lived just across the street from the business, and everyone knew they were “open” day and night. Milton had a knack with equipment, making repairs and, when needed, fabricating parts. Someone would come in with a couple of things in his hand and say, “I need something to make this work with this,” and Milton would ponder the request and in a few days he handed the new part to the customer, “See if this will work for you.” Like a lot of fellows, he farmed with old equipment, and if he saw a better way, he’d make what he needed. Manufacturers sent prototypes of new implements for Milton to test, and maybe bust up. They could then pick up on his repairs and experience to improve their products.
When Milton was asked why he didn’t go somewhere his talents could be better used, he replied, “I’m right where I am supposed to be.” And that is probably what we will miss the most, a lifetime of being where he was supposed to be. A life lived in the knowledge and assurance of God’s love which put him here to be exactly who he was: ordinary and extraordinary.
Community was important to both Milton and Joyce. Milton was a charter member of the Granada Lions Club. He was a steadfast member of the Bristol United Methodist Church, serving as Chairman of the Board and holding many other offices over the years. He was devoted to public education and the area children and served 12 years on the Granada School Board. His service was honored by placing him on the Honor Roll of Colorado Association of School Boards in 1983. He was also recognized in 2001 for his contributions to the Bristol Volunteer Fire Department.
Joyce also was a steadfast member of the Bristol United Methodist Church and longtime Children’s Sunday School teacher. She was a member of the Bristol United Methodist Church women’s group, serving a time as president. She was an active member of the Bristol Coterie Club, helped with quarterly commodities distributions, and served on the board for Colorado Agency for the Aging. Joyce was an excellent seamstress, sewing countless cheerleading uniforms, prom dresses and other clothing for her children.
Milton passed away in 2006 at the age of 82. Joyce passed away in 2018 at the age of 88. The Milton Otto family is happy to play a part in the continued growth of the Bristol community for many years to come.
Were both raised in the area, married January 25, 1957 and moved to Aldene’s parents’ place east of Bristol. In 1958, they bought their first house, one of the original “Sugar Shacks” in Bristol, to start raising their family. They farmed near Bristol and A.D. worked at the Bristol Co-op from time to time. A.D. and Patty and were very active in the community during their 50 plus years in Bristol. A.D. served on the Holly Credit Union Board, Bristol Volunteer Fire Department, the Bristol Water Board, and as a Special Deputy under the Prowers County Sheriff’s Department for Bristol among other services to the community. Patty served in various organizations for church, school, and community such as Coterie Club and Ladies’ Aid. Most notably, she was the organizer/distributor for the Prowers County Commodities program for the Bristol area. During this time, A.D. and Patty raised their three children; Vickie Barrow-Klein, Richard Barrow, and Pamela Barrow Batterton.
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