Omaha native disappears diving

Omaha native and attorney Charles L. Titus disappeared while scuba-diving off the Cayman Islands this week, and his family said he is presumed dead.

“It's been a roller coaster of emotions,” said son Ben Titus of Omaha. “But the most comforting thing is that that is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It gives a bit of peace that that's where he is.”

Charles Titus, who was 60, graduated from Creighton Prep, Creighton University and the CU law school, and was a trial attorney in Omaha for 22 years. In 1994, his son said, he moved to Las Vegas to open a title insurance office for Mike Fahey, a close friend who later became mayor of Omaha.

The elder Titus later returned to private practice, wrote a novel and was researching a second one. An experienced diver, he was in a group of seven, including two guides and his wife Rose. It was their 13th wedding anniversary.

About 9 a.m. Monday, they dived at Eagle Ray pass, North Wall. While ascending, divers noticed he was missing. The Caymanian Compass newspaper said a full search was conducted over several days.

Dr. Steve Titus of Omaha said his brother had survived prostate cancer but had high blood pressure and was a former longtime smoker. “I speculate that he had a sudden heart attack or something like that.”

In Omaha, Charlie Titus had played keyboards in a rock band, “The Intruders,” which held a reunion last year. He also was an avid golfer and snow-skier.

“He thought he could do anythng anybody had done once,” said Ben Titus, senior vice president of Mutual of Omaha Bank. “He was really charismatic and generous.”

Other survivors include his daughter Brittany Benson and five grandchildren. A memorial gathering will be held from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Oct. 3 at Erin Court, 4714 N. 120th St.