OSAGE CITY — Cecil M. “Max” Cotton, Osage City, died Sunday, July 10, 2022, at Osage Nursing Center, Osage City. He was 85.
He was born Jan. 28, 1937, in Greenbrier, Ark., the son of Cecil Ezra “Ed” and Esther Lee (Davis) Cotton. His mother died when Max was only 2 years old. His father sometimes would have to go out of town or out of state for work, and Max spent much of his childhood with his grandparents, William Calvin and Priscilla (Burkett) Cotton, near Greenbrier. He later spent much of his teen years living with his father in Conway, Ark.
As a teen, Max developed a strong interest and ability in working on radio and television equipment. He would go on to serve in the United States Army, working as a communications specialist, and achieving the rank of Warrant Officer.
Following completion of his military service, Max moved to Oklahoma City to find work, and there he met Karen Swanson. They were married June 5, 1965, in Oklahoma City, and shared over 57 years together. They have one son, Calvin, who was born in 1970.
While in Oklahoma City, Max worked at Tinker Air Force Base, working on aircraft navigation equipment, and at Lee Mac as a television technician.
In 1974, Max, Karen and Calvin moved to the community of Peterton, northeast of Osage City, to be near Karen’s parents, living on a small acreage where the family had many good times and memories. Max worked as a TV technician for J&L Electronics, Osage City, from 1974 to 1979, and as a TV technician at McDaniel Hardware, Lyndon, from 1979 until his retirement 20 years later.
Max was also a longtime minister at various small Churches of Christ from the time he was young, up until he was of advanced age. Churches he preached in regularly included churches in Wooster, Ark.; Oklahoma City; Purcell, Okla.; and Osage City.
His favorite hobbies included gardening and reading. He was known for many years for his large and productive gardens. He was also very fond of animals. He was known and liked for his friendliness and love of conversation – he knew no strangers. He was a member of the American Legion, Osage City.
Max was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Larry.
He is survived by his wife, Karen, of the home; son, Calvin Cotton, Lenexa; a brother, Joe Cotton, Mayflower, Ark.; a niece, Carolyn Cotton; a nephew, Sonny Cotton; and numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services were 10:30 a.m. Saturday, July 16, at the Church of Christ, Osage City. Interment with military honors followed at the Osage City Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to House to House/Heart to Heart and sent in care of VanArsdale Funeral Chapel, 107 N. Sixth St., Osage City, KS 66523.
Condolences may be left at VanArsdaleFS.com.
