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To honor, recognize and celebrate the life and service of Mr. Otto Beatty, Jr. and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing, Friday, May 14, 2021.
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WHEREAS, the members of Columbus City Council extend this resolution of expression in honor of the life and service of Mr. Otto Beatty, Jr. , who peacefully transitioned on Friday, May 14, 2021; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Beatty will be remembered for the love he expressed for his family, friends, and the community he was blessed to serve; and
WHEREAS, Otto graduated from University High School, and earned a BA and an MA in business administration and a JD from The Ohio State University College of Law; and
WHEREAS, after earning his Juris Doctor degree Otto established a law practice and distinguished himself as an attorney. He served as president of the Franklin County Trial Lawyers Association and attorney for Black Elected Democrats of Ohio, which in 1995 became the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, He successfully defended the first two discrimination cases filed in Ohio; and
WHEREAS, Otto was elected to the Ohio House in 1979 spending the next 18 years advocating for minority-owned businesses and the disadvantaged as well as health care access and tort reform. Otto
also served as special counsel to the Ohio attorney general; and
WHEREAS, Otto’s leadership in the Ohio House was part of a long and effective career responding to issues of Ohio citizens. He was no stranger to affirmative action and often defended the disadvantaged. Otto supported strong family values, worked to improve the quality of life for children and families; and
WHEREAS, Otto was greatly appreciated, always a gentleman, a friend to many and an inspiration to all; and
WHEREAS, Otto leaves a legacy of leadership and service that this community will cherish and a void which will be missed. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife Congresswoman Joyce Beatty; daughter, Laurel Beatty Blunt (Richard); son, Otto (Christie); granddaughter, Leah Blunt; grandson, Spencer Blunt; and a host of other relatives and friends; now therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby honor, recognize and celebrate the life and service of Mr. Otto Beatty Jr. and to extend our sincerest condolences to his family and friends on the occasion of his passing, Friday, May 14, 2021.