Otis Richard Keller

Otis Richard Keller, 57; also known as “Richard” “Rich” or “Shorty” by family and close friends, went home to be with the Lord on December 8th, 2021. Richard was born in Massillon, Ohio on July 9th, 1964, to the late Veronica Keller and Leroy Smith. Richard grew up in Richmond, California where he lived for many years. In 2000, Richard returned to the Ohio area, where he became a lifelong resident of Canton, Ohio until the day of his passing. Richard attended Stark State College in North Canton, Ohio , were he received his certificate in welding. Even after graduating from Stark State College, he continued to be a mentor for the college and other aspiring welding students. Richard was a pillar of his community and his family, helping those in need, to spend time with him would mean to laugh, love, learn, and just have an overall enjoyable time. He was a family-oriented person and animal lover. He enjoyed family gatherings and outings, music, good food, and raising/loving animals. He was a proud, loving, and strong father and grandfather, wonderful brother, amazing uncle, caring nephew, and the best friend. There are so many words in the human language yet and still, there aren't enough words to describe who Richard was as a person and what he meant to those around him. He is a spirit that can never be duplicated, and he will truly be missed. He is preceded in death by his father Leroy Smith, mother Veronica Keller, and grandmother Lucille Keller. He leaves to cherish his memory his children Tatiana (Ray Robinson) Nelson of Canton, Ohio, Tiny (Prudent) Buoro; Darnell, Damien, and Otis Richard Keller Jr all of California; grandchildren Iyana and Kamira McCoy, Azura Robinson, Zarian Carrol, and Zamari Buoro; siblings April and Victoria Keller, Monica Belser, Hugh (Mann) Hudson; Romie (Charity) Smith, Karen Smith, Leroy (Elizabeth) Smith Jr., Gloria (John) Johnston, Patricia Minor, James and Brian Ballard, Raymont and Portia Baugh, Tanisha Thompson, Kimberly Ruffin-Harris, Brandi, Terrius Ross, and Serenity Thomas; special aunts Joyce King and Barbara Benson; significant other Nicole Mitchell; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends. Homegoing services will be held at Paquelet Funeral Home found at 1100 Wales Road N. E., Massillon, Ohio 44646 on Friday, December 17, 2021, at 12 p.m. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. The family of the late Otis Richard Keller would like to extend a gracious thank you for all of your sincere sympathies during our bereavement. Thank you and God bless you.