Donald John Cotton

Donald John Cotton, 83, a lifelong resident of Kalkaska, passed away suddenly at home on Monday, February 15, 2021. He was born on February 22, 1937 at home, son to the late Raymond and Phebe (Dunlap) Cotton. Don has left a legacy that was built on family, farm, and community. He married Barbara Jane Barr on August 8, 1970 and together they raised their two boys Bruce and Douglas. Don took a lot of pride in his farm and was honored when both of his boys shared his passion and continued to work and build the farm he loved. Don served on multiple Kalkaska County boards through the years, and especially enjoyed his 42 years on the Zoning Board which he served many of them as chairman. He was a great mentor and will be remembered for his humble, mild mannered attitude and how the foundation of his life was honesty. He liked to travel, often commenting on all the miles he had driven and that he had visited 49 states, only missing Hawaii. During his retirement, Don would still frequent the farm to instill wisdom; while still finding time for his old tractors and farming memorabilia. He loved his boys and his grandkids dearly. He will be greatly missed by those who survive him; his wife of 50 years Barbara; sons Bruce (Kim) and Douglas (Nina) Cotton; grandchildren Olivia, Lane, and Jonathan; sisters Margaret Ritenburgh, Beth (Myron) Priest, and Jane Werner; and brother Glenn (Norma) Cotton. He was preceded in death by his parents. Visitation will be Monday, February 22, 2021 from 5-8 pm at the Kalkaska Church of the Nazarene. Funeral Services will be at Noon on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 with one hour of visitation prior to the service at Kalkaska Church of the Nazarene with Pastor William Kuiper presiding. Burial will take place in the spring at Excelsior Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Don’s honor to Kalkaska Church of the Nazarene or Evergreen Bible Baptist Church. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kalkaska Funeral Home and Cremation Services. The service will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. Please click the link at the bottom of our main page or follow this link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd5ytWq5FzfG45UOfMJwqFw

Donald John Cotton

February 22, 1937 - February 15, 2021