Doyle Cotton
Obituary
Doyle W. Cotton, Jr. was born July 17, 1931 in Enid, OK, the second child of Doyle W. and Marie (Champlin) Cotton. He passed from this life early on Friday, October 2, 2009 at the age of 78.
Doyle attended the University of the South in Sewanee, TN and then served his country as an Army medical technician. He was one of the early pioneers in the creation of oil and gas partnerships which enabled the expansion of investment in the industry. In 1961, he founded Cotton Petroleum Corporation which grew to become one of Oklahoma's most prominent major independent oil and gas companies and was acquired by United Energy Resources.
He had many passions and in retirement, Doyle was an avid fisherman, an expert craftsman and a world traveler. Likewise, he enjoyed good jokes, fine wines and cigars.
Doyle was a wonderful father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughters and son-in-law, Allison Marie Cotton of Tulsa, Leigh and Richard Pops of Wellesley, MA; two grandchildren, John Cotton Pops and Anna Leigh Pops, both of Wellesley, MA.
A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM Wednesday at St. John's Episcopal Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in memory of Doyle W. Cotton, Jr., benefitting cancer research to Cleveland Clinic, IRD-DV2, 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44195, Attn.: Diane Tomer.
Events
Tributes & Memories
My memory of Mr Cotton is indirect. I never actually met him. What I do know is that Mr. Cotton treated my aunt Mary Kay Lilly, a long time employee, very well. As the oldest nephew of Mary Kay, she told me a lot about Mr Cotton, his wide interests and knowledge on so many subjects. He so obviously had a passion for learning along with his business acumen.
I always remember the day Aunt Kay took me to visit Mr. Cotton's airport and show me the aircraft collection. It was a great day.
My observation is that many employers take little interest in the financial care of their people. The family of Mary Kay is grateful to Mr. Cotton for being a caring employer, as Mary Kay never married and was on her own.
By the year 2009, dementia took its toll on Mary Kay and she was not able to communicate or know events. So I did not learn of Mr. Cottons passing in 2009 and decided to look this up. Mary Kay was beloved by the entire Lilly and Conway family as she was a simple, honest Christian woman. I am grateful that she worked for Mr. Cotton. Best wishes to his family.
Kent Conway
Kent Conway
I have never known a man with as many interests and as much knowledge of so many diverse subjects. Doyle was a true character who gave of himself to others, sometimes very quietly. He was firm in his opinions, dedicated to the things in life which brought him enjoyment. My condolences and prayers are with his daughters Allison and Leigh, and Leigh's husband and children in this very difficult season of their lives. They have much good to remember and give them comfort.
Bruce C. Wiley