Mr. Richard Lewis Burton

Richard Lewis Burton was born on Tuesday, July 4th, 1944 to Bessie and Howard Burton in Hamilton, Ohio. He quickly took after his older brother Kenneth Burton, whom he aspired to follow in the footsteps of. In his early life, Richard was a highly involved student at Hamilton Taft High School earning accolades and lettering in both football and basketball at a predominately white school. During his Senior season at Hamilton Taft, Richard, often called “Rich” by his teammates, led his team to the 1962 Ohio State High School Basketball Championship by completing the game winning half court jump shot. Off the court, Richard had high expectations for himself within his academics exceling in math and science. He was also a leader in student government and began his passions for serving and uplifting the Black community. His time in Hamilton, Ohio left a lasting impact, and throughout his life he remained in close contact with the many early friends he made, in particular, the Hamilton 5. Prior to leaving Ohio, he was involved with Judith Johnson, and from this relationship came his son Christopher Sr., leaving a long-lasting tie to his family in Hamilton. Richard left Hamilton, Ohio to spend time with his aunt Florence Sellers and family in Watts, Inglewood, and parts of southern California. After arriving in Watts, California, he became a highly involved activist in the Black Panther Party. He told stories and carried on his involvement with movement after relocating to Denver, Colorado. As an entrepreneur, he opened one of the few black-owned businesses at the time, “The Beast”, a booming clothing store on Welton Street located in the historic Five Points area of Denver in 1987. The name for his store came from his nickname, “The Beast from the East”, a callback to his glorious sports days in Hamilton, Ohio. The profound success he found in his business, and connecting with other local black business owners and the growing black community in the Denver area, gave Richard his desire to permanently settle in Colorado. He transitioned from the new guy on the block to serving on the organizing and perpetuating committee for Denver’s Juneteenth celebration, meeting lifelong friends in fundraising and planning block parties to help uplift local kids and the community. Richard continued his passions for community youth involvement by working with the young men at the Red Chill Recreational Center. Those who knew Richard fondly, proclaimed him, “The King of the Grill” being known for his barbecue, especially his infamous ribs. He would put on his “The Beast from the East” apron, grill and sell his ribs from his clothing store during the block parties, and locally at his favorite corner store. Richard took his famous ribs and became a founding member of a close-knit card playing group which he played Bid Whist often on the weekends at house parties and other functions. They would start early, and go late into the night. When he was winning, he made sure everyone knew, not being shy about his prowess. Richard exceled in just about every social circle he entered and garnered more lifelong friends from his card playing circle, notably Bruce Thurman whom he remained in close contact with throughout the rest of his life. Richard’s involvement with the youth community of Denver propelled him to be a beacon in the area. However, he had no idea that his passions would reward him in the most jolting way. He met the love of his life, Jacqueline Jackson through their shared connection of Denver Public Schools in 1981. Richard knew from the moment he met Jackie that his love for her, her mother Cora Payne, and her children Sheniqua and Darrell would be eternal. He sat them down, and at that moment made the decision from that point forward they would all be a family. Richard instilled in his step-children his fundamental drive for academic success above all, and of course his love for the game of basketball. Both Sheniqua and Darrell took after “The Beast from the East”, earning high accolades on the basketball court at West Middle School and Aurora Central High School. From early on, Richard passed on to Darrell his renowned grilling skills and set him up to succeed him as the King of the Grill. Richard’s high belief in Sheniqua’s academic pursuit led him to push her into graduating with honors from Aurora Central, and commit to the University of Colorado at Boulder in 1992. One of his proudest moments as a parent was making the drive up to Boulder to move her in for her freshman year of college, waking up before sunrise the day of. Richard continued to encourage and cheer on Sheniqua through her completion of her Bachelor’s Degree at CU Boulder and her successive completion of her Master’s Degree. He honored his promise to Jackie to always show up for Darrell and Sheniqua through all their moments and accomplishments in life. Richard’s love for his family both in Denver and Ohio was proven utmost when it came to his grandchildren. His grandson Christopher Jr., remembers all of the phone conversations they shared and their passionate debates on sports teams. Richard became a Denver Nuggets fan and Chris would tease him about their losing seasons, until recently when they won the National Championship and the roles in the banter were reversed. In caring on his memory, Chris states his fondest memory of his papa is when Richard traveled to Ohio and they spent the day visiting local stores and enjoying each other’s company. Richard also developed a very strong relationship with Sheniqua’s daughters Jelani and Jayla in Colorado. His highlight was attending choir concerts, band concerts, academic award ceremonies, track meets, and basketball and volleyball games throughout their time at Sagebrush Elementary, Laredo Middle and Smoky Hill High School. He was so passionate about the academic and sports accolades of Jelani and Jayla, he would often mass share them with just about everyone he knew and encountered. Even in Richard’s most vulnerable time in health, he made a point to attend Jelani’s High School graduation party in 2021. This is yet another testament to Richard’s everlasting commitment to honoring his love, Jackie. Richard will continue to serve as a guiding light for his grandson Chris, and “his girls”, Jelani and Jayla. It is no secret, the depth of Richard’s love the The Ohio State University, Buckeyes. No matter the time, place, or situation Richard was no stranger to expressing his diehard love for the school. Everywhere he was seen, he had some sort of The Ohio State gear on, collecting many hats of all types over the years. On game days, he did not take a phone call, miss a single snap, or even look away from the screen until the game was over. This was most notably witnessed during their famous annual rivalry game against Michigan, and depending on the fate of the game this determined Richard’s mood for at least a week post-game. The Ohio State last lost to Michigan in 2023, and those who followed Richard on Facebook, saw his declaration that he had officially thrown in the towel with his support. However, about a week or so later, he already began predicting their comeback this upcoming 2024 season. Richard will no doubt continue to cheer on the Buckeyes, wearing his special gear, and holding out on his diehard belief that they will win their much anticipated National Championship soon. Richard Burton undoubtedly left a great impression on those he encountered throughout the many stages of his life. He never hesitated to help anyone who called upon him, always provided keen advice, and made his best effort to strive for positivity spreading his love to everyone around him. Each person who shared a moment with Richard is able to fondly recall the memories they shared, and expresses how loved he was. He is preceded in death by his mother Bessie, father Howard, his brother Kenneth, son Christopher Sr., and his eternal love Jacqueline. Richard will continue to guide and watch over his various cousins, never-ending list of friends, his son Darrell Payne, grandson Christopher Jr., and “his girls”, daughter Sheniqua, and granddaughters Jelani and Jayla. Richard Burton transitioned to be with his deceased loved ones on Tuesday, August 6th, 2024, but will continue to be an inspiration to the host of cousins, friends, children, and grandchildren he so dearly loved.

Mr. Richard Lewis Burton

July 4, 1944 - August 6, 2024