On Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009, "the Voice of God" called home Otis Leroy Knapper, Sr. He was a loving Father, Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend.

Otis was born, one of six children in Muskogee on Dec. 29, 1944 to Odell Knapper and Metherine Spencer, and grew up in Muskogee county.

In 1964, Otis enlisted in the United States Army, serving his country honorably for 3 years. Otis was one of the "Elite" 101st Airborne, serving one year in battle during the Vietnam War.

After his service, he moved to Los Angeles, CA, where he met and married Loretta McLaurin. To this union, 3 sons were born, Otis Jr., Owen and Omar. While in Los Angeles, he was gainfully employed by the Rapid Transit District, where he retired in 1992.

After this retirement, Otis moved back home to his birthplace, where he owned and operated a small farm near Tahlequah. Later, he returned to work, employed by the City of Muskogee, where he retired for a second time, to own and operate a professional lawn care service. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing, the gun range and leisure time with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Margaret Richardson.

He leaves to cherish his memory; 4 sons, Otis, Owen and Omar Knapper and Terrance Marshall; 2 daughters, Antoinette and Margaret Knapper; 3 grandsons, Owen, Otis and Bryce Knapper; 3 granddaughters, Skye, Omni, and Jiyah Knapper; 3 brothers, Odell and James Knapper and Bobby Smith; a sister, Parthenia Foster; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The final salute will commence on Saturday, Dec. 5, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. in the sanctuary of the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church. Rev. B. W. Noble, the gracious host Pastor and Rev. Vanzelen Brown, Officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Memorial Park Cemetery in Muskogee.

You may visit Otis, as he slumbers in peaceful repose at the funeral home on Friday from 12 Noon to 7 PM>