Otis Leon Lee, Sr.

Otis Leon Lee Sr. September 19, 1949 – March 5, 2026

Otis Leon Lee Sr., of Fort Worth, Texas, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, March 5, 2026. He was born on September 19, 1949, in Denton, Texas, to Otis Carl and Martha Ann (Wheeler) Lee.

Otis grew up in Denton and attended Denton High School, where childhood friends gave him the nickname "Fatty" — a name that followed him fondly into adulthood and one he accepted with good humor his entire life. He served his country as a United States Marine and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a paint contractor, a trade he practiced faithfully throughout his adult life and passed on to his family.

Otis could carry on a conversation with anyone and had a sense of humor. He often enjoyed his own jokes and had a laugh that was contagious. He was hospitable, loved cooking, and enjoyed good food, especially Deb’s pico de gallo. He was always ready to share a new recipe. Otis loved good music even more so when one of his children was singing.

He was fiercely protective of the people he loved. He read his Bible daily, believed in the power of prayer, and lived his faith consistently modeling generosity and forgiveness.

Otis is survived by his wife, Debbie, and her son Matthew, of Fort Worth; his sister, Betty Bray, of Temple, Texas; his daughters, Wendy Lindenborn and husband Tim of Saint Jo, Texas, Julie Harris and husband Jonathan of Springdale, Arkansas, and Jennifer Seaman and husband Josh of Springfield, Missouri; his son, Otis Leon Lee Jr. and wife Stephanie of Alba, Texas; and grandchildren Daniel and Angela Lindenborn, Joey and Stephanie Lindenborn, Carly Lindenborn, T.J. Lindenborn, Hope and Cheyenne Benner, Anna and Anthony Sheridan, JonMark and Abigail Harris, Mattie Harris, Nathanael Harris, Lily Seaman, Garrett Seaman, Chandler Lee, and Chase Lee, along with 15 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis and Martha Lee, and his brother, Robert Lee.

Visitation will be held Monday, March 9, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at DeBerry Funeral Directors. The funeral service will follow on Tuesday, March 10, at 10:00 a.m. at DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W. University Drive, Denton, Texas. The service will be officiated by his son, Rev. Otis Leon Lee Jr. He will be laid to rest at New Hope Cemetery in Mountain Springs, Texas.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Lindenborn, Joey Lindenborn, T.J. Lindenborn, JonMark Harris, Nathanael Harris, Garrett Seaman, Chandler Lee, and Chase Lee.

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