UPDATED: Funeral for Maryland District 38A Delegate Charles Otto Today

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UPDATED – 10/24/25 – Funeral services for District 38-A Delegate Charles Otto will be held this morning at the Hinman Funeral Home in Princess Anne.  The service begins at 11am followed by interment at Allen United Methodist Church Cemetery.  

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Maryland District 38A Delegate Charles Otto has passed. Otto has been a member of the MD House of Delegates representing Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties since 2011. He was 61.

Otto attended Washington HS in Princess Anne, UMES, VA Tech, (B.S.-animal science)

Funeral arrangements have been announced.  

Visitation:  Thursday, October 23 – 7 to 9pm, Hinman Funeral Home, Somerset Ave, Princess Anne, MD
Funeral:  Friday, October 24 – 11am, Hinman Funeral Home, Somerset Ave, Princess Anne

Otto just filed for re-election on October 15^th – the District 38A seat will be up for election in November 2026.  After a recommendation by the Republican Central Committee, Governor Moore will appoint successor who will serve the remainder of Otto’s term which ends in January 2027. 

From his legislative biography –
Farmer.
Sales representative, The William B. Tilghman Co., 1986-87.
Field representative, Maryland Farm Bureau, 1987-95.
Certified crop consultant and sales representative, The Farmers & Planters Co., Inc., 1995-.
Treasurer, Maryland Grain Producers Utilization Board.
President, Wicomico County Farm Bureau.
Past president, Somerset County Farm Bureau.
Board of Directors, Maryland Farm Bureau.
Member, American Society of Agronomy;
Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc.
Charter member, Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department.
Member, National Rifle Association;
Somerset Ruritan Club (scholarship committee; past chair, business & professions committee).
Past president, Maryland Grain Producers’ Association.
Past chair, Agri-Business Committee, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.
Excellence in Crop Advising Award, American Society of Agronomy, 2008.
Medal of Achievement, Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc., 2016.
Member and Treasurer, John Wesley United Methodist Church, Mt. Vernon, Princess Anne, Maryland.

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Statement from State Senator Mary Beth Carozza:

The passing of our friend, Charles Otto, is very sad news for our Shore community and the State of Maryland. He was my friend and my colleague, a valued work and faith partner.

As one of the very few farmers serving in the Maryland General Assembly, Delegate Charles Otto used his real-life experiences and his committee position to fight for our Shore rural way of life. He had a quiet wisdom and was humble in his work with both colleagues and constituents. It was always a brighter day with Charles whether at official events or on the campaign trail in parades or county fairs. Charles kept it real for all of us.

I already miss my friend, Charles Otto, and join with so many friends and colleagues in sending heartfelt condolences to his family and in recognizing his dedicated public service.

 

Governor Wes Moore today released the following statement regarding the sudden passing of Delegate Charles J. Otto, who represented Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties since 2011:

“Dawn and I send our prayers to the family, loved ones, and colleagues of Delegate Otto. This was a man who loved Maryland to his core, fighting every day for his constituents and moving in good faith with partners in the General Assembly to deliver results. 

“I had the privilege of spending time with Delegate Otto just a few weeks ago. We stood together to announce the completion of a historic broadband project, bringing high-speed internet to Smith Island for the first time. I saw in him then what so many have seen throughout his career—a fidelity to our state that could never waver, and a commitment to our people that could never fade.

“Delegate Otto and I may not have belonged to the same political party, but we could agree on this: Marylanders are always worth fighting for. We must carry that legacy forward, together.”

 

Statement from the Maryland Farm Bureau on the passing of Maryland District 38 Delegate Charles J. Otto:

“Maryland Farm Bureau is saddened to hear of the passing of Delegate Charles Otto. Delegate Otto’s commitment to service was long-standing, beginning with his time as a valued staff member for the Maryland Farm Bureau from 1987 to 1995.

As a farmer himself, he was firmly rooted in the agricultural community and faithfully served his lower shore constituents in the House of Delegates since 2011. Delegate Otto was a steadfast champion for Maryland agriculture and will be sorely missed by his friends and colleagues throughout the state.”

Delegate Otto served as a Field Representative for the Maryland Farm Bureau from 1987 to 1995. He represented Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County in the Maryland House of Delegates.

 

House Republicans issued the following statements regarding the passing of Delegate Charles Otto:

“We are devastated by the loss of Delegate Charles Otto. He was our colleague, our friend, and, to many of us, our family. He was, in many ways, the heart of our Caucus.

Delegate Otto was a dedicated public servant, committed to his constituents and to preserving our state’s agricultural heritage. A rarity in politics, Delegate Otto was never someone who was in love with his own voice. But when he spoke, he did so with heartfelt wisdom, and members listened, no matter their political party. He was unceasingly generous and hilariously funny.

 We were lucky to know him, to serve with him, and to call him our friend. We are grateful to his family for sharing him with us over these many years, and we send them our deepest condolences.”

From House Minority Leader Jason Buckel –

“Charles Otto was a good man and a great friend and colleague to all of us in the House Republican Caucus. He loved Somerset County passionately and fought for Maryland’s farmers, watermen, and rural communities with every breath he had. He was one of a kind, and I will miss him tremendously.”

From House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy –

“Delegate Otto was a valuable member of our Caucus and a friend to many. We offer prayers for his family and friends at this difficult time.”

From House Republican Caucus Chair, Delegate Jay Jacobs –

“Delegate Otto and I were elected together. We shared an office and were on the same committee for the last 15 years. He was a true friend who loved God and his family. He cared deeply for his constituents and for the Eastern Shore. I was lucky to have been his friend, and I will miss him.”

 

“The members of the Maryland Senate Republican Caucus are deeply saddened by the passing of our friend and colleague, Delegate Charles Otto.

 

Delegate Otto was a tireless advocate for the people of the Eastern Shore and a steadfast voice for Maryland’s farmers, rural communities, and small businesses. Throughout his years of public service, he was known for his deep knowledge of agricultural issues, his humility, and his unwavering commitment to the constituents he so proudly represented.

Charles brought common sense and integrity to every discussion in Annapolis. He worked across party lines to ensure that rural Maryland’s needs were heard and respected, and his leadership and friendship will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to serve alongside him.

 

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him. His legacy of service and dedication to the Eastern Shore will endure for generations to come.”