Charles Donald Cotton (aka. Donnie) born to Horace Hazelton and Lorean Cotton on June 7, 1950 in Muskogee, OK.

Charles, the 5th child of 10 siblings, grew up in Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was a bright and talented student throughout his early years. Charles accepted Christ at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church (The Antioch Church) at a very young age and grew up in the church.
Reverend Benjamin Noble supported, trained, and guided Charles in his spiritual growth, encouraging him to be part of the church. He served in the church Sunday and Baptist Training Union schools and participated in church choirs and performances. Charles was kind and respectful, always eager to help the elders at church and help in our neighborhood. Mrs. Emmerine C. Moore and Clydia P. Ewell, who were part of the neighborhood family (both having passed on) were instrumental in inspiring and nurturing Charles.

While attending Manual Training High School (MTHS), Charles excelled in his studies and enjoyed his involvement in the school marching band. In addition, he was an active member of the school choir, and also participated in numerous other social extracurricular activities. Upon graduation from MTHS in 1968, he then attended Langston University, in Langston, OK until 1971.

On May 11, 1971 Charles was drafted into the United States Army. He completed his Basic Combat Training in Lawton, OK. He was allowed to choose the Meteorology field and graduated from Meteorology school on January 21, 1972. Upon graduation he was assigned to the Army's Post at Yuma Proving Grounds, Yuma, AZ. Charles was promoted to Specialist Fourth Class during this assignment. Charles remained at this duty station until his honorable discharge on March 13, 1973.

While Charles was in the service he met and married Barbara (Dixon) on Sept 27, 1972. They moved to Muskogee, OK after Charles was discharged. However, shortly after their arrival in Muskogee, Charles and Barbara were divorced. Charles worked for a brief time at the Muskogee Corp of Engineers and local Muskogee radio station as a part-time weatherman. During this period he met and developed a relationship with Erma Hardridge, establishing a beautiful family. In the mid 1970's, Charles moved to Minneapolis, MN where he began training and worked for more than 30 years in the hospitality and food industry. Charles's employments consisted of; The Lamplighter's Restaurants, Embassy Suites Hotels, and managing Chef at the Radisson Hotel in Tucson, AZ.

In his 67th season of life, Charles Donald Cotton dozed into the tranquil peace of Eternal Slumber on Saturday morning, November 4th, 2017 in Muskogee, OK. Proceeded in death were his parents and grandparents, one granddaughter, Tatiana Tottress, and two nephews Bobby Trimble and Robert Palmer.

The 5th child of 10 siblings, whom each remain in God's care, are; Bobby Ham of Tulsa, OK, Doris White, Shakopee, MN, Robert Ham, Muskogee, OK, Loretta Suttles, Minneapolis, MN, Joetta Drake, Minneapolis, MN, John W. Cotton, Aurora, CO, Marilyn Parks, Muskogee, OK, Mary Collins, Atlanta, GA, and Linda Otteson of Tulsa, OK.

He leaves 7 children; Cory Cotton of Tahlequah, OK, Katonya Cotton, Kissimmee, FL, Katrina Cotton, Tulsa, OK, and Kelsey Cotton of Richfield, MN. Step-children included are Todd Hardridge of Dallas, Darryl Hardridge, Oklahoma, City, OK, and Stephen Hardridge, Omaha, NE. He is also survived by 19 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grandchildren, and caring friend Erma Hardridge.


The Final Salute for Mr. Cotton will be on Monday, November 13, 2017 at 11:30 AM in the Antioch Church, 500 West Broadway.   Burial will follow at 2:00 PM in the National Cemetery at Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.

You may visit Mr. Cotton on Monday at The Antioch Church, beginning at 10:30 AM until service time.