Otto Beatty Jr., an accomplished attorney and former state representative, has died at the age of 81, his wife U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty announced.
According to his biography from the statehouse, Otto Beatty was born in Columbus, Ohio, in 1940 and attended local schools in the area. He graduated from University High School then went on to earn a BA and an MA in business administration from Howard University.
Later, he earned his JD from the Ohio State University College of Law and would reportedly defend the first two discrimination cases filed in Ohio.
Beatty was elected to the state legislature in 1979 where he served eighteen years in the Ohio House until resigning in 1998. After he resigned, his wife Joyce Beatty was appointed his successor.
"It is with profound sadness that my family and I share of the passing of our beloved Otto Beatty, Jr., Esq," Joyce Beatty posted online. "A devoted father, grandfather, amazing husband and confidante, friend to many, and dedicated leader in the community, Otto will be forever missed but his legacy will live on eternally. Our family appreciates everyone's thoughts and prayers and asks for privacy during this extremely difficult time."
Throughout a long career in politics and in law, he has been honored at the local, state, and national levels for his contributions to tort reform, minority business development and health care.
He leaves behind his wife Joyce and their two children, Otto Beatty III and Laurel Beatty.