Roosevelt David Felton was born February 24, 1949 in Omaha, Nebraska, the fifth child of Myrtis and Willie 
Felton. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather, Elbert R. Ross, Sr.; daughter, Lynnette Hickman-Felton; sister, Willie Mae Chambers; brother, James H. Felton; stepsister, Sharon Ross; and Stepbrother, Erroll (Randy) Ross.
Roosevelt attended Omaha public schools, and graduated from high school in 1967. Following graduation he enlisted in the United States Air Force, during which time he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and the Commendation Award for exemplary service. In 1973, following his discharge, Roosevelt was joined in Holy Matrimony to Carol Jean Russian. Later, in 1975, he was employed as a meterologist with the United States Weather Service in Omaha, where he worked until 1975. Shortly thereafter, the couple relocated to Stockton California. While living in Stockton, Roosevelt was employed as an INformation Technology (IT) supervisor with the Uiuted States Postal Service, where he remained until 1996. After his tenure with the Postal Service, Roosevelt and Cariol began a small company, Harddrive Computer Services, where Roosevelt specialized in computer repair, and website design, set-up, and maintenance for small businesses.
With an eye toward early retirement, in 2002, Roosevelt and Carol sold their computer service business and relocated to Las Vegas., Nevada. In Las vegas, Roosevelt joined the IT team of Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. as supervisor, and he continued in that capacity until becoing ill in January of 2006. During his brief, but fullfilling lifetime, Roosevelt was known far and wide as an electronics and computer "whiz" and received numerous awards and recognition for his abilities and work related contributions.
To the fond memories of my brother and best friend and to his family and friends: Roosevelt David Felton and I grew-up in Omaha, Nebraska, having met in the third grade on the playground(s) at Lothrop grade school. We formed a bond that has lasted and been tested for more than five decades. Extraordinarily blessed with a golden voice and gift for song, Roosevelt could sing his way in and out of trouble. Once, at our first gig, as the New Breed of Soul Band, at Allen’s Show Case, in Omaha, Nebraska, we decided to disguise (complete with beard and mustache) Roosevelt and change his name to “Earl Lance”. Somehow we thought by doing this, his mother would not find out that he was singing in a night club. Something she was very adamant about him not doing. Our entire band was under age. As luck would have it, one of the guest in the audience, after Roosevelt performed one of his signature songs, “I stand Accused” by the late Jerry Butler, that faithful evening, shouted “that’s not Earl Lance”, “that’s Roosevelt Felton”. And of course someone told his mother, needless to say, his mother call my mother and we both were in trouble for days. Over the years we both have shared a laugh about exactly whose fault it was we got caught.
Thru out life’s trials and tribulations, Roosevelt faced them all with a quiet dignified grace and self -confidence. He was more than just talented, he was a renaissance man, and he was my best friend and contributor to the Omaha Black Music Hall of Fame.
I will always, love, miss and cherish my memories of my best friend Roosevelt “Rosé” David Felton (AKA Earl ‘Tall Boy’ Lance.) To Carol and his children and my God Daughter, Andrea, I love you all as I did him.
"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."
-Psalm 23
Vaughn Richard Chatman
