Mr. Otis S. Burton

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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