Otis Townsend II

Otis Townsend II, age 73, of Fairborn, Ohio, passed away on June 21, 2025 surrounded by loved ones who will forever cherish his memory. A proud Missourian through and through, he lived his life with grit, humor, and a heart big enough to hold the stories of everyone he met. He was the kind of man who would give you his last dollar, then cook you dinner and tell you stories while you ate.

Born in Missouri on October 5, 1951, Otis wore many hats in his life. He was a husband, father, uncle, brother, grandfather, and friend — and for those lucky enough to sit at his table, a damn good cook. These were roles he wore with quiet pride. He followed his passion for food into a career, proudly owning and operating the Taste of Comfort (I, II, and III) for many years. Whether it was his famous ribs, homemade pineapple upside down cake, or the secret chili he never quite wrote down, his food brought people together and made them feel at home.

He believed in speaking plainly and laughing often, usually with a glass of peach schnapps in hand and a blues record spinning in the background. A lifelong fan of westerns, Otis loved a good cowboy story — especially the kind where the underdog came out on top. Much like the heroes he admired, he was strong, steady, and dependable, with a deep respect for hard work and a soft spot for those who needed a helping hand.

Whether sharing stories on the back porch, fixing up something that needed fixing, or just keeping you company during a hard time, Otis had a way of making people feel seen and safe. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, wit, and a music collection that will live on in the hearts of those who loved him.

He is survived by his wife, Sandra; his children, Phillip, Oteasa, Zachary, Gabriel, Sierra, and Noelle; his siblings, Brenda, Mildred, Joanne, Gary, and Alphanzo; many nieces and nephews; and a wide circle of friends who became family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lelia Mae Tipler and Otis Townsend I, brother, Otis Townsend III, sister, Vernita (Warren) Cooper, and beloved dogs.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you cook something from the heart, raise a glass, share a memory, and keep the blues playing. That’s how he’d want to be remembered - with love, laughter, and a little bit of soul.