Edwin Cotton

87. After several years of declining health, “Cotton” died peacefully surrounded by his beloved

wife, Tay and his children by his side. Edwin was born in Baton Rouge, LA on June 21, 1934 to

father, Jesse Cotton and mother Gertrude Cotton and was the younger brother to Mary Ruth Williams.

He enjoyed growing up in the country riding horses and helping out on the “Sharp” family farm. He

attended Baton Rouge High School. He was a hard worker and began work in the construction business

at a young age. He married his sweetheart, Tay in 1973 and they joined together as a blended family

raising 4 children. He was a loving father who worked hard for his family and loved taking the

family fishing and going out on his boat. He and his family enjoyed time going deep sea fishing at

Fourchon, LA and was an expert at hosting fish frys. He loved being in the kitchen and anyone who

knows him....knows “Cotton” loved to eat. He taught his children the value of hard work and he

worked for Fulough Laughlin Construction and later worked for Sullivan Construction. He later

started his own construction company, Harcot Construction Inc., with his cousin, Harry Harelson.

Edwin did not meet a stranger and loved visiting friends, was an avid hunter and fisherman. Living

in Prairieville, LA, he was a regular at the local hardware store visiting with friends. His family

adored his sense of humor and his willingness to help anyone. He loved his hunting exhibitions

around the world and shared stories of hunts in Africa, Paraguay, Uraguay and Alaska to name a few.

He gave his life to Christ as an adult and was a member of Woodlawn Baptist Church. As his health

declined, he continued to show great love for his wife and children and always had a “twinkle” in

his eye. He was dearly loved! He will be greatly missed by his beloved family and friends. Edwin

was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Tay Cotton, Children:

Carol Terry (Mark), Edwin Cotton, (Sherri), Shari Cotton, Angie Nielsen (Ronnie) and Eric Edmonson

(Jennifer); grandchildren: Jesse Cotton, Emily Cotton, Ryleigh Cotton, Alexis Edmonson, Blaine

Edmonson, Victoria Nielsen Kelly, Madeline Nielsen and Andrew Nielsen. He is survived by his

beloved older sister Mary Ruth Williams and lots of cousins, nieces and nephews. We are especially

thankful for our beloved friend and caregiver, Terri Oliphant. A visitation will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm with a funeral service to begin at 12:00 pm at Greenoaks Funeral Home. 9595 Florida Blvd. Baton Rouge, LA 70815 All are invited to attend. The family wants to especially thank Pinnacle Hospice for the loving compassionate care they provided and will be forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that contributions to Samaritan's Purse be made in his memory.