Robert Gail Cotten, age 76, of Eldon, passed away on Monday, February 12, 2018, in Eldon. He was born in Eldon on February 1, 1942, son of the late J. Edgar and Pauline (Blakely) Cotten. On April 20, 1986, Robert married Bessie Sherrell, who survives at their home.

Robert served in the United States Army from August 2, 1968 until his honorable discharge on April 1, 1973. He was a carpenter by trade for all of his life until retirement. His favorite pastimes were playing golf and pool with his sons, brothers, and friends. The past few years he enjoyed playing his guitar and singing with his musician friends at various places around Eldon, including McDonalds and the Eldon Country Club, as well as in California at the Sweet Buy and Buy.

In addition to his loving wife, Bessie (Sherrell) Cotten, he is also survived by three sons, Mitchell Cotten and wife Libby of Eldon, Joseph Cotten and wife Crystal of Surprise, Arizona, and Cody Cotten and Fallon Duncan of Eldon; three grandchildren, Nicole Cotten, Jesse Cotten, and Michael Cotten; and nine siblings, Richard (Darlene) Cotten, Larry (Pat) Cotten, Basil Cotten, Louise Ammala, Junior Cotten, Johnny (Janet) Cotten, Ralph Cotten, Lonnie (Glenda) Cotten, and Charlie (Beverly) Cotten.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Paul and Lawrence Cotten; father-in-law, Claud Sherrell; and mother-in-law, Mae Morrow Duncan.

Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 12 (noon), with services immediately following at 12 (noon), on Thursday, February 15, at Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia with Elton Dake officiating. Interment with military honors will be in Freedom Cemetery near Dixon.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Robert Cotten Memorial Fund.