on June 12, 1928 at the home of his grandparents in Jackson County Oklahoma. Immediately after
graduation from Friendship High School, Cotton joined the Marine Corp as an MP and then went to the
Army as a Telecommunications Specialist in the Korean Conflict. He received an honorable discharge
from both services.
Cotton graduated from Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, OK with a BS degree in
Education. He was a teacher and coach with the Texola, OK school district. He and his wife, Joyce,
moved to Amarillo where he began work for the United States Department of Interior, as Bureau of
Mines Helium Operations Safety Manager. He worked there from 1957 to his retirement in 1989.
He is preceded in death by his first wife and mother of his four children, Joyce, who went to be with her
Lord in 1986. He then married Judy on May 6th, 1988. Cotton was a faithful member at Central Church
of Christ where he served as a Deacon for many years. God was first and foremost with Cotton which
was reflected in his life and the raising of his children. He was an avid sports fan and golfer. He
especially loved watching all the kids in his family tree play sports - #1 Fan! He also loved OU sports,
Dallas Cowboys, and the Texas Rangers.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mildred and John Hanna, and his siblings Dwayne Hanna, Spud
Hanna, Bob Hanna, Wynona Hanna Howard, and infant brother LeRoy.
He is survived by wife Judy and children, Susan and Steve Hunter, Cindy and Harold Dempsey, Rusty and
Diane Hanna, and Sandra and Roger Lovato, all of Amarillo. He leaves behind ten grandchildren, three
great grandchildren, and two more on the way.
He inherited three stepchildren and spouses. Ray and Susie Alumbaugh of Amarillo, Ruby and Kenneth
Stevens of Hurst, TX, Mason and Melody Alumbaugh of Bernalillo, NM, and numerous step
grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Cotton will be dearly missed by all. “Well done good and faithful servant!”
The family suggests memorials be to High Plains Children Home, 11461 S. Western St., Amarillo, TX 79118; or Amarillo Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 11901 S. Coulter St., Amarillo, TX 79119.
Arrangements under the direction of Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors, Amarillo, TX.
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