Thomas Otto Inman Jr.

Tom, who mostly preferred to be called Otto or Papa, was born in Los Angeles, California, and raised in Denver, Colorado. His identity was deeply rooted in his lifelong career as a German metalsmith. His material of choice was copper, and sometimes brass. Cars were his passion; he owned and worked on many over the years, his favorite being the 1932 Ford.

He was incredibly loving and empathetic. He didn't know a stranger, and he couldn't pass someone who appeared to be down on their luck without offering them a meal or the only $5 in his wallet. Thanks to his loving nature, he had many layers of family—from blood relatives to chosen family who treated him as one of their own. Those who knew him best might call him stubborn, and possibly even ornery, but he certainly knew how to keep you on your toes.

A man with an unmatched work ethic, even into his 80s every day was considered a workday. No matter the temperature, you could find him working outside on one of his many ongoing projects, even hammering metal into his final days.

Tom is survived by his children, Renee Venezia, Jay Inman, Michelle Holley, and Carley Carter; his sons-in-law and daughters-in-law, Dana Inman, Derrick Holley, and Bryan Carter; his grandchildren, Lucca Venezia, Covell Burton (Alyssa Terrazas), Tyce Burton, Lila Burton, Summit Carter, and Juniper Carter; his great-grandchildren, Sayla Burton and Khamari Jayla Lee; his siblings, Gloria Foellmer, Jack Robinson, and Weston Robinson; and countless godchildren and others who lovingly considered him family.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Caroline Robinson; his stepfather, John Robinson; and his father, Thomas Otto Inman Sr.

Tom was greatly impacted by a police officer who used to pick him up in his youth after he had stolen a vehicle here and there (in the good ol' days). Instead of giving up on him, that officer became a mentor and helped steer Tom away from trouble. Later in life, Tom found opportunities to do the same for others. He didn't believe there were bad kids—just kids who needed someone to care about them and guide them toward the right path.

His Celebration of Life is open to all and will be held on July 23, 2026, from 3:00–7:00 p.m. at the Stone Shelter, 1199 Flagstaff Summit Road, Boulder, CO 80302. It's potluck-style, so if you'd like to join us, please bring a dish to share.

In lieu of flowers, we're raising money for a memorial so the people who loved him will always have a place to visit and remember him.

Thank you for loving Tom as much as we love him.