Charles Edward Cotton

­­Charles Edward Cotton left his earthly body on August 14, 2024, to reunite with his wife Suzanne in their heavenly home.

Charlie was a middle child in a family of 7 siblings, born to James and Earie Cotton in Brownsville, TX in 1953. His siblings included: two older brothers James and Frank, older sister Angela who was born in the same year as Charlie, his younger brother Preston who preceded him in death, sister Abbie the youngest, and sister Jimmie Cecile, the first-born sibling who passed away in infancy.

The family moved to Corpus Christi when Charlie was about 5 years old, and the Cotton kids grew up close. They lived in the Portland area where the boys went fishing with their Dad, (Cap’n Cotton), rode longboards in the surf, and played sports. Charlie excelled in track and field and in Junior High he set the record for the 100-yard dash which still stands today.

Shortly after graduating in 1972, he married his High School sweetheart Suzanne Thomas and the love they shared carried them through until their last days. She was the love of his life as he was hers.

Charlie followed in his Father's footsteps and alongside two of his brothers James and Frank, became a certified Union welder. His skills in welding and fabricating were masterful, a more beautiful bead could not be laid. He could effortlessly tig weld the textbook example of an immaculate, perfect weld. His work ethic was relentless and he was a natural at teaching others. He eventually became a sought-after Welding Inspector and a mentor to many. If you had the honor of being taught by Charlie or working alongside him as his helper, you were sure to get a huge leg up in your career.

Charlie was always calm and soft-spoken but that doesn't mean he was quiet. He could keep you entertained all day long, chuckling as he told the stories of his life full of many, many adventures. Even when life threw curve balls his way, he had a sense of humor about it and shared the stories with a smile and the lighthearted grace that he embodied. Traveling the country in his rig truck with Suzanne by his side to work on pipeline projects, he made loyal friends wherever he went. He was humble, as solid as they come, and a blessing to all who knew him. 

His work ethic didn’t just end on the job site. He took his personal projects seriously too. He was passionate about the family garden, always incorporating more space and eventually covering acres to grow an abundance of beautiful vegetables. His natural tendency to teach and share led him to start a Community Garden in Portland at St. Christopher’s.

Charlie and Suzanne were blessed with 4 children, Joshua, Kelly, Nikki, and Laney, and 13 grandchildren. A proud family man, “Papa” loved them all with open arms. Annual trips to the Frio were filled with cherished moments when the whole family could enjoy time together. Charlie loved to cook for the whole family at these gatherings. Ribs, fajitas, and brisket were his specialties. 

Though he is no longer with us, his family and friends will forever cherish his memory in our hearts. We find solace in knowing that Charlie’s legacy of kindness, love, and faith endures, and we hold onto the promise of reuniting with him one day in the embrace of Heaven. Until that day, we will carry his spirit with us, honoring his life through the love and warmth he so freely gave.

Charlie was preceded in death by his wife Suzanne Thomas Cotton, his parents James Morris and Earie Cotton, his sister Jimmie Cecile and his brother Preston Keith Cotton.

He is survived by his son Joshua Cotton of Richmond, his daughters Kelly (Joseph) Devenney of Portland, Nikki (Quino) Molinos of Richmond, Laney (Chris) White of San Diego, California and 13 grandchildren whom he adored: Kyla (Chance) Weaver, Tristan Cotton, Logan Cotton, Jace Elder, Jaylen Molinos, Cash Elder, Aislinn Molinos, Evelyn Cotton, Layla Cotton, Joseph Devenney III, Addison Devenney, Zoey White, Savanna Molinos. 

In addition to his children and grandchildren, he is survived by his brothers James Cotton, Frank Cotton, sisters Angela Powell and Abbie Curl, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 22, 2024 at St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church, 820 Wildcat Dr. in Portland. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday, August 23, 2024 also at St. Christopher’s with reception to follow.

Burial at Bath Cemetery in Huntsville, TX, 5105 Possum Walk Rd., Saturday, Aug. 24th @ 2 p.m.

Flowers can be sent to St. Christopher’s By the Sea Episcopal Church, 820 Wildcat Dr. Portland, TX 78374

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com