Mr. Billy Donald Cotton, known affectionately to most as Sherman or
Sweetboy was born October 19, 1938, in Tom (Idabel), Oklahoma to
Sherman and Josie Cotton. Billy loved being in the country farming and
cultivating food for others. Billy's heart always extended itself in service
to others be it dropping off vegetables or produce Billy found a way to
show others he cared for them.

After leaving Idabel as a young man, Billy journeyed to California
seeking adventures and work. That journey eventually led him to
Wichita Kansas where he met, courted, and married Ola Mae. Billy and
Ola Mae fell in love and were bonded in union for 45 years until Ola
Mae's passing on January 26, 2012.

To this union seven children were born: Troy (Julie) Hawkins of Wichita,
KS, Mavis Graham of Slidell, LA, Aretha Clark, Sharita Clark, Darron
Cotton, Roslyn (Willie) Cooper, and Lindsey Cotton all of Wichita, KS. As
well as his special grandsons Myles Jaxson Ronald Easley and Darron
Brent Cotton Jr.

Billy worked at Pillsbury Elevator as a Mill Operator. Billy retired from
Pillsbury and followed his true love of farming. Billy was a true farmer
of animals and vegetation. Teaching his children and grandchildren the
value of hard work as well as the importance of having fun. Memories
of going to Dairy Queen to get ice cream to eat at the park. Once at the
park, Billy would tell his children as he was running past them, "Let's
race." Laughing and running as he won every race. Memories of taking
Myles and Junior out in the country showing them how to slop hogs
and load grain will forever be etched into their cores.

Billy is survived by his seven children: Troy, Mavis, Aretha, Sharita,
Darron, Roslyn, and Lindsey. Four brothers; Connie (Exzetta) Cotton of
Inglewood, CA, Clifton Cotton Sr of Little Elm, TX, James (Deborah)
Cotton of Kechi, KS, Kenneth (Verna) Cotton, of Rockville, MD. Two
sisters Jewel Patton of Oklahoma City, OK, and Sherry (Lonnie) O'Neal
of Fort Smith, AK. As well as a host of grandchildren, great-
grandchildren, nieces, and nephews who all held a special place in his
heart.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents Sherman and Josie Cotton, his
wife Ola Mae, brother Willie Cotton, and his grandsons Troy Justin
Hawkins and Dehmere Cotton.

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