Otis Sylvester Burton, affectionately called Nkatapu, 84, of Columbus, OH was called home to be with the Lord on November 21, 2023. Otis was born on New Year’s Day January 1, 1939, in Logan, WV to the late Sylvester Jackson and the late Johneva Dose. He was affectionately raised by his grandmother, the late Surluster Miller (Granny).
He graduated from Douglas High School in Huntington, WV Class of 1956. While in high school, Otis was a star football player.
His love of music was reflected throughout his life. Otis was a member of a high school singing group, which afforded him the opportunity to sing at the Apollo Theater in New York. He loved writing music, playing his guitar, and singing. Everyone who knew Otis spoke of his excellent musical talents. Otis frequently played the guitar and sang for/with his family and friends for hours (along with his favorite spirits-Wine and Captain Morgan). These frequent jam sessions led to his guitars having a permanent home in his living room.
Otis served in the U.S. Air Force stationed in various locations throughout the world including Okinawa, Japan. Even in the service, he continued playing football.
Otis left Huntington for the big city life in Detroit, MI, where he was employed by the Chrysler Corporation as a lineman. During his tenure at Chrysler, he continued his education which resulted in a promotion to Production Supervisor. While at Chrysler, one of his most cherished accomplishments occurred when he built one of the 1969 body-style Dodge Chargers used in the Dukes of Hazzard TV show. On December 31, 1996, after 30+ years, he retired from Chrysler’s Warren Truck Assembly Plant.
During his retirement, Otis was a dedicated supporter of the Obama and Biden campaigns. He was trained by the Secret Service, selected to drive in Joe Biden’s motorcade and personally met him. During his campaigning days he met his love, Richetta Farris. They built a close, loving relationship that lasted over 10 years. She remained dedicated to Otis throughout his brief illness, rarely leaving his side. In retirement, Otis acquired a new skill becoming a cameraman for PBS working with actress Katherine McKee from Detroit, MI.
Otis enjoyed traveling and visited many countries within all but one continent. He also loved gardening, bicycling and working out at the gym daily.
Nkatapu was loved dearly by his family of which he continuously supported with love, wisdom, and advice and was often witnessed bragging about his family. He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with family and friends (conversing, playing music, cards, and dominos were a few of his favorites).
Nkatapu is survived by his children: Otis S. Jackson, Kim Burton, Dorothy Williams, Tracy (Marshall) Cooper, Tamara (Todd) Carter, and Christine Browder; Siblings: Robert Burton Sr., Gloria Dose, Dwayne Barnes, and Andy Barnes; Grandchildren: Shenice Black, Stasia West, Jamaal Williams, Kayla Cooper, Kameron Cooper, Justus Jackson, Aaron Williams, Adam Burton, Tyson Carter, Jamaile Huey, Jawan Huey, Ranell Browder, Robert Amerson, Jacqueline Carter, and Brooklyn Forbers; Great-grandchildren: Kyran Black, Kameron Black, Zoey Jackson, Mikayla Williams, Karma Wolfson, Aliza Cooper, and Amari Williams. God daughters: Tina Moore and Rosa Winston; and he held a special love in his heart for Reis Farris. Also, a host of relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Preceded in death by Patricia Jackson, Jacqueline Burton and siblings: Chester Dose and Jill Dose.
Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 11:00 AM Saturday, December 2, 2023 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd.).
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Prayers of Comfort, Strength and Sympathy from the Cheeks, Palmer and Westmoreland Family.
Condolences to the family of Otis Burton. He was a great person, and loved his family. Hugs
I was young when I met him but he made an impression! I have an amazing Auntie he left for me .
Rest well Mr Otis
May the Burton Family find peace in knowing their beloved Otis Burton is with our Lord and Savior.
Heartfelt condolences frm Motley & Hill family
To the Burton Family at this time of your loss my prayers are that your dad has done his parental and godly duty when he entered the Kingdom. So as your family mourns during the Thanksgiving season let us remember God, Lord, Father let us not be sad as God will be done. In Jesus name Amen
Best Regards, The Crumpton Family
Tracy, Marshall, Kayla & Kameron Cooper & Extended Family,
You have my deepest sympathy and may God bless you all and ease your pain as you say goodbye to your love one. I love you so much.
To the Burton family you all have my deepest condolences.
Tracy and Family,
Our hearts are heavy hearing of Katapu’s passing. He was a considered a friend by all who knew him.
We were so sorry to hear about your father’s passing. I know this is a very sad and difficult time for you and your family. If you feel like talking to someone, know that we are here for you all. You have my very deepest
sympathy
Keeping my friend Tamara and the rest of the family in my prayers. Losing a parent is hard, but I am praying that the Holy Spirit will comfort you and grant you peace.
Sending my condolences to the family of Mr. Otis Burton for the loss of your father. May perpetual light shine upon his soul and may he rest in peace.
To the Burton family you have my Deepest sympathy in your time of sorrow may God keep you strong in this sad moment. Otis was a good man and will be miss by many. You all are in my prayers
My deepest and most sincere prayers & condolences to the family of Otis Burton. I’ve prayed for understanding and comfort for all, especially Dorothy, Otis Jr., Kim, Tracey, and Tamara. I know how much you all love your Dad.
I extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to your family, praying that God will strengthen and comfort your hearts.
Kim, Tracy and Tammy my sincere condolences are with each of you at this time. I loved Katapu too! Please know that I’m praying peace and understanding over you all, as I know God’s grace will carry you through this time. Katapu was sincerely lucky to have had such daughters that loved him so. His memories will last a lifetime. I love you.
Dee-Dee
Otis, from my youngest childhood memories you were around in some way or another and eventually you became family. I enjoyed our talks, our laughs and the sincere love and dedication you shared with our families and for that you will be truly missed. Your honesty and integrity is an inspiration we can all live by. My heart felt condolences go out to the family and your loved ones. I will truly miss you and our talks my friend. May you now go in peace to be with our eternal father, knowing your fatherly role here on earth is complete. You are forever loved and truly missed.
Otis, from my youngest childhood memories you were around in some way or another and eventually you became family. I enjoyed our talks, our laughs and the sincere love and dedication you shared with our families and for that you will be truly missed. Your honesty and integrity is an inspiration we can all live by. My heart felt condolences go out to the family and your loved ones. I will truly miss you and our talks my friend. May you now go in peace to be with our eternal father, knowing your fatherly role here on earth is complete. You are forever loved and truly missed.
Michael E Cooper
Keeping the family in prayer and praying for your comfort and peace at this difficult time.
As a child I couldn’t wait for Otis to visit his dad as he was our next door neighbor. He would roll into town with a new car every year and we couldn’t wait to have that carful of kids to play with!! As an adult he became a cherished part of the Cooper family and we are very thankful for all of the wonderful memories and time spent with Otis through the years. He will always be held in high regard as a family patriarch and now an ancestor who will never be forgotten. Love you all!!
The Barnett and Cooper Families
Dear Tracy, Prayers of comfort and the peace of God be with you and your family during this time. May God strengthen you. Our condolences from your friends at Johnson & Johnson.
Dear Kim, Tracy and Tamara, and the rest of the Burton Family. Uncle Les and Auntie Sheila are very sorry about the death of your Dad and Grandad (Otis). Death is a sting and soon it will be done away with.
Those who have brought you JOY, made you LAUGH, and shown you LOVE, in so many ways. Even given you the lasting gifts and blesses your memories forever. Jeremiah 31:16
My deepest condolences and prayers to all the family. Great memories of Otis since my childhood days.
Rest in peace
Love you Kim, Tracey and Tammy️
My condolences and prayers to the Burton Family Otis was my neighbor and A great person to know his Family can be at comfort because he is at peace
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Burton family during this trying time. May the Lord wrap his arms around each of you and give you peace, strength and comfort knowing that your father & grandfather is home. May he rest peacefully. With love ❤️
Tamara, my prayer is that Almighty God will comfort you and the entire Burton family today and in the days to come.
With deepest sympathy,
Emma & The Bryant Family
Our sweet Aunt Tray & Family,
We send our love to you from the Cooper/Leffler side. We pray that you and the family have peace and that God gives you all strength to endure during your time of grief. We all love you very much!
Much Sympathy & Love,
Brian, Madai, Malachi & Javan Cooper-Leffler
I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. We love you guys and are always available if you need a listening ear. Likely you will experience intense grief for some time. This is normal. How reassuring to know that soon “God will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more.-Revelation 21:4
Tamara,
All of us from the Wolverine Dental Hygienists’ Society send our condolences to you and your family while you grieve the passing of your father, but also celebrate his life. The Christmas season can make this an especially tough time but we hope that a smile can break through the sadness as you all think of and share the happy memories of your dad. We will continue to keep you and your family lifted in prayer.
The Wolverine Dental Hygienists’ Society – Detroit, MI
I’m very sad I didn’t get a second chance with my Dad now I c where I get my love of music from who would’ve known I guess I didn’t sorry dad we wasn’t close like I wanted us to be I always loved u and wished u was in my life.
My condolences to the family.