James Cotton

James MelvinHefty Cotton, 47, Coffeyville, Kansas, passed away Saturday, April 17, 2010 at Dennison, Texas. Hefty was born June 6, 1962 at Coffeyville to James Francis Cotton and Vera Louise Welch Cotton. He attended Cedar Bluff grade school, Roosevelt Jr. High and Field Kindley High School, graduating in 1980. During his senior year, Hefty was a bull rider, and rode in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas rodeos. He played baseball during high school and then took up slow pitch softball, playing until last year. Hefty playedrover on Tom Hendersons team. He was also a boxer and his trainer, Earl Rutherford, got him matches in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas. Hefty was also a wrestler in school and through the City Rec League and took home many trophies in all the sports in which he competed. He was an outgoing person and avid Chiefs fan, regardless of their record and was a fan of NASCAR driver, Mark Martin. Hefty worked at Automotive Control from 198689 and in 1990 went to work for Union Pacific Railroad, where he was currently machine operator. Survivors are a son, Talon Cotton of Independence, Kansas one daughter, Paula Cotton of Abilene, Kansas a granddaughter, Rhemi Eva James Cotton of Independence, Kansas his parents, James amp Vera Cotton of Coffeyville a sister, Frances Kuehn and her husband, Dale of Jefferson, Kansas one brother, Bill Cotton and his wife, Belinda of Bartlesville, Oklahoma a nephew, Dale Wayne Wagner and his wife, Cindy of Louisburg, Missouri a niece, Melissa Wade and her husband, Mike of Sublet, Kansas five greatnephews one greatniece two stepsons, Kyle amp Shane Jones and a stepdaughter, McKenzie Jones. Hefty was engaged to be married to Rhonda Rowe. Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2010 at Emmanuel Chapel, South Coffeyville, Oklahoma with Pastor Ted Rogers officiating. Interment will be in Jefferson Cemetery, under the direction of PenwellGabel FordWulfBruns Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9am8pm, Friday and family will receive friends from 68pm, at the funeral home. Those who wish are encouraged to donate to the JamesHefty Cotton Memorial Fund and donations may be left at the funeral home. To leave a special message for the family online, visit www.penwellgabelcoffeyville.com.