Marion E. "Cotton" Bridges

Cotton, a longtime resident of Plano and previously Abilene, Texas was born in Byers, Texas on December 5, 1930 to parents Ruth Mae Seal Bridges and Joshua Franklin Bridges. He graduated from Byers High School in 1948 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1950. As a member of the U.S. Navy, Cotton served in the Korean Conflict aboard the aircraft carrier USS Boxer from 1950-1952 and following an injury received an Honorable Discharge in 1954.

On August 12, 1954 Cotton married Barbara Sigle of Freer, Texas and began a life of love and Christian service. Following his military service he worked for Continental Emsco while attending Odessa Junior College and earning an Associates Degree. He then transferred to Abilene to attend and graduate from Hardin-Simmons University eventually coming to work at Citizen’s National Bank in 1959. Cotton became executive vice president, working as a banker until 1981 at which time he felt called to use his talents to serve the Lord by accepting a position at First Baptist Church, Abilene’s Family Life Center. While in Abilene, Cotton raised his three children and was active in Calvary Baptist Church. In 1960 he began his work with the brotherhood of Texas Baptist Men and in 1961 with the Royal Ambassadors – a mission education organization for young men that teaches them how to grow spiritually, physically, mentally, and in their relationships with others.

In 1982 Cotton returned briefly to banking, leading him first to Seminole and eventually Plano, where he retired from banking in 1987. In 1989, Cotton began his professional work with Texas Baptist Men, an organization near to his heart since 1960. Cotton served as the Director of Royal Ambassadors for Texas Texas Baptist Men until his retirement in 1995. He served in many roles within TBM, serving on the executive board since 1968 and later becoming Vice President, but ministry was the driving force of his heart. Cotton, along with his wife and true partner, Barbara, traveled the world to share the love of Christ through camps, church building, evangelism, and Disaster Relief – through which they headed the childcare unit. Their Missions work brought them all over the United States, St. Croix, Germany, Brazil, Cuba, Ecuador, Africa, Estonia, Kyrgyzstan, Albania, and many years along the Rio Grande Valley. Finding a home at First Baptist Church Plano, Cotton became active in the Deacons, teaching Sunday school, and missions. Cotton took the lead on the Rio Grande Valley River Ministry annual trips – bringing many of his grandchildren along on the trip and instilling a missions “heart” in each of them.

Cotton was a genuine advocate for the biblical education and ministry for children and he took every opportunity to share that love with everyone he met. Children truly brought him joy and he them. Cotton leaves behind a vast legacy of unyielding Christian faith and a relentless all-encompassing love for his family, friends, and Church.

Cotton is preceded in death by his parents; brother Chester Bridges, and sisters Dorothy Dill Bridges, Mavis Bridges, and Marjorie Bridges Perkins. He is survived by his wife Barbara, sister Geraldine Bridges Maberry of Wichita Falls; his three children son David Bridges and wife Nancy of Comanche, Texas; daughter Darla Harrison and husband Bill of Irving, Texas; son Dwight Bridges of McKinney, Texas; eight grandchildren, Sarah McKee and husband Mike of Roanoke, Texas; Rebecca Bridges of Abilene, Texas; Caleb Harrison and wife Tamra of Irving, Texas; Jared Bridges of McKinney, Texas; Jessica Bridges of McKinney, Texas; Cassia Harrison of Irving, Texas; Joanna Bridges of McKinney, Texas; and Joy Bridges of McKinney, Texas; and five great grandchildren, Logan and Norah McKee of Roanoke; Vincent, Lillith, and Sierra Harrison of Irving, Texas.

Burial will be Wednesday August 19 at 10:30 a.m. at the DFW National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX 75211. A memorial celebration will be Thursday, August 20 at 10:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Plano, TX, 1300 E 15th St, Plano, TX 75074. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to the “Cotton Bridges Memorial” at the Texas Baptist Men Forever Foundation, 5351 Catron, Dallas, TX 75227.