On Saturday, April 26, 2025, Terrance Kysean Burton, affectionately known as “Big T,” transitioned peacefully at his home in Kalamazoo, Michigan, cradled in the loving arms of his son. He was 52 years old.
Born in Detroit, Michigan on December 17, 1972 to Inez Burton Hester and William Burton, Terrance was a man destined for greatness from a young age. In 1983, the Burton family relocated to Covert, Michigan, where Terrance’s passion for life and natural gifts began to shine. He attended Covert High School, where he quickly became a hometown legend. Known for his extraordinary athleticism, Terrance joined the varsity basketball team as an eighth grader—a rare achievement that spoke to his raw talent. As an All-American in high school, his high-flying dunks and smooth style left an indelible mark on the local sports scene and earned him respect both on and off the court.
Terrance’s love for cooking led him to the Vocational Technical Center, where he pursued culinary studies. It was there that he met the love of his life, Katisha (Lewis) Burton in 1992. Their bond was immediate and enduring. Married on August 11, 2001, the couple shared over three decades of devotion, partnership, and purpose. Together, they built a life rooted in love, laughter, community service, and shared dreams.
Terrance was more than an athlete or a chef—he was a man of many talents and boundless charisma. With Katisha by his side, he found joy in entertaining others and became a beloved local DJ, bringing energy and celebration to every room he entered. In October 2006, Terrance and Katisha realized a long-held dream and opened their first restaurant “TNT Touch of Soul” commonly known to most as, the Boom Boom Room, famous for its mouthwatering rib tips, warm atmosphere, and spirit of hospitality. Today, from Lil’ Brothers Restaurant, their food nourishes many, including students, staff and families from our own higher education institutions, Kalamazoo College and Western Michigan University with both excellence and care.
A devoted family man, Terrance cherished time with his wife and children, whether it was watching movies at the drive-in, enjoying a fishing trip (despite his fish allergy), or simply sharing laughter around the dinner table. He was also a respected community leader and a source of guidance for many. Terrance mentored youth, supported neighbors in need, and opened his heart and home to anyone who needed a listening ear or helping hand.
Terrance was the proud President of the Strong Riders and a dedicated member of Sin City, where he found brotherhood and freedom on the open road. He was a man of strength, style, and substance—equal parts tough and tender.
Terrance’s passing leaves a void in the lives of many, but his legacy of love, service, joy, and community spirit lives on through all who knew him.
He is lovingly remembered and deeply missed by his beloved wife Katisha Burton; his children: Kyseana Burton, Terrance Burton, Destiny Lewis, Joe Perry, and Kyshauna Gill; his devoted mother Inez Burton Hester; his siblings: Darrell Guidry, Charles Brown (Augusta, GA), Bernadette (Michael) Thornton (Detroit), Tina Lavonda (St. Louis, MO), Mary Burton, Denise (Reggie) Greenwood, and Shaquille Burton (all of Benton Harbor); his eight cherished grandchildren, whom he adored as a proud and loving grandfather; and a host of godchildren, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces, nephews cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends whom he loved like his own.
He was preceded in death by siblings Jamaal Burton, Vernon Guidry, Rose Brown, and Ancient Guidry.
Terrance Kysean Burton was a husband, father, son, brother, friend, mentor, and a pillar of his community. His impact will continue to ripple across generations. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Robbins Brothers Funeral Home, Benton Harbor.
Services
PUBLIC VISITATION
Saturday
May 10, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
600 Donald Adkins Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday
May 10, 2025
11:00 AM
Second Baptist Church
600 Donald Adkins Dr.
Benton Harbor, MI 49022
INTERMENT FOLLOWING FUNERAL SERVICE
Saturday
May 10, 2025
Covert Cemetery
M-140 Hwy
Covert, MI 49043