Lloyd Cotton

Lloyd E. Cotton was an industrious man who was devoted to his family, faith and community. He was adored by his wife, children and grandchildren, valued by his church and trusted in business. He knew what it took to be successful in his career while continuing to be an attentive family man. His fun-loving nature and delightful laughter made life rich for his loved ones and all who had the privilege of knowing Lloyd. Lloyd Edward was born in Muskegon, Michigan on August 27, 1926 to Charles E. and Gladys (Smith) Cotton. His father owned and operated a paint store, contributing to the growth in industry that spurred employment and consumer confidence. The economic depression that closed out the decade also strengthened the character and determination of Americans, and like others his age, Lloyd met the challenge of WWII that numbered him among those who have been called The Greatest Generation. The third of four children, Lloyd grew up in downtown Muskegon on McIlwraith Street. He and his older sisters Myra and Margaret and younger brother Charles enjoyed a rather typical childhood of outdoor fun and family togetherness. Throughout the summer months, the Cotton family kept a tent set up in the campground at Ovals Beach on Lake Michigan where they fished, swam in the channel and played on the beach. With all that experience and some advanced training, Lloyd eventually became a lifeguard. It was just one of the initiatives he took as an eager, forward-looking teen. Lloyd was still in high school when he bought his first house as an investment and fixed it up for rental income. In years to come, he and his brother Chuck would own over a dozen rental homes around Muskegon. Lloyd also started working with his father to paint houses and hang wallpapera preview of a later career choice. Amid the hard work, young Lloyd managed a social life that included dancing and roller skating. He was excellent at both and attracted attention as a result. While skating at the Curvecrest Roller Rink, he caught the eye of a young woman named Donna Haiker. She gave him a wink and consequently began a dating relationship that often saw Lloyd showing up at her house with ice cream. Irresistible. When he was a senior at Muskegon High School, Lloyd became a cadet in the US Army Air Corp, and after graduation he set a course to become a pilot. Unfortunately his eye sight didnt qualify him as a pilot, so he became an airplane mechanic and served in the Caribbean during WWII, flying as a crew member on cargo planes and bombers. After returning from military duty, he and Donna were happily married on May 17, 1947. To kick-start his career, Lloyd attended Muskegon Business College and played on the basketball team with his brother Chuck. The two of them had been close in childhood and the bond only strengthened in adulthood. They would often joke that they spent more time with each other than with their families. For a brief time, Lloyd considered becoming an accountant but working in an office didnt suit him at all. Instead, he and Chuck went to work in their fathers painting business. It proved a successful move as the brothers grew the business and eventually bought out their father. For the 65 years that they would run Charles E. Cotton and Sons Painters, their skills were in constant demand in the Muskegon area. Their popularity was further bolstered by Lloyds philosophy: Do a good job that youre willing to sign your name to it. In fact, he and Chuck always signed their names in pencil on a wall before they papered over it. Years later as homes were being redecorated, those two names would reappear as a testament to honest men and faithful business practices. When Lloyd and Donna were first married, they had lived on Grand Avenue near Muskegon High School. It became the childhood home of their three daughters: Brenda, born in 1951, Paula in 1953 and Kimberly in 1955. In 1960, Lloyd and Donna built a house in the Beachwood neighborhood and welcomed son Lloyd Bradley in 1962. They settled into life there (not moving again) and remained active in Central United Methodist Church. Lloyd was also an invested parent, and no matter how busy he was, he stayed involved in his childrens lives and attended as many of their school events as he could. As a family, they spent wonderful time together fishing and waterskiing at Portage Lake in Onekema, Michigan. Lloyd and Chuck owned a cottage there in Red Park and their families alternated weekends at the lake. Lloyd and Donna also took the kids on memorable road trip vacations to California and Florida. Later in life, the two of them traveled around the country and made frequent visits to their daughter in Arizona. When they became grandparents, Lloyd and Donna extended their parental love and commitment to their grandchildren. Lloyd loved to make them laugh. As much as he could, he attended their sporting and school activities even while working into his 70s. That was especially admirable given his health issues. Lloyd experienced heart attacks and a bout with colon cancer. He underwent bypass surgery and had both knees and both hips replaced. Still, like the Energizer Bunny, he just kept on going. When he relaxed, it was to watch sporting events on TV, and in retirement, he read more and took up bread making. Lloyd made the best bread from scratch and consumed history books about WWII. His mind stayed sharp even as his body weakened in later years. Mr. Lloyd E. Cotton, age 89, passed away Monday, September 28, 2015 surrounded by his family. They will miss their beloved husband, father and grandfather and remember him always. Lloyd is survived by his wife of 68 years, Donna; daughters, Brenda (Fred) Schertenlieb, Paula Cotton, Kimberly (Bruce) Wolters; son, Lloyd Bradley (Katie) Cotton; grandchildren, Damon (Melanie) Wolters, Brian (Cindy) Wolters, Alison (Jessica) Andrews, Abigail (Dexter) Larabee, Hannah Ruth Schertenlieb, Nathaniel Cotton; great grandchildren, Sarah Jo Wolters, Brett (Shannon) Wolters, Kami Rae Wolters, Samuel Wolters, Grace Wolters, Rosalie Salentine, Emmaline Salentine; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles E Cotton Jr.; sisters, Margaret Spencer & Myra Sullivan. Amemorial Service will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015, 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at Central United Methodist Church, where Lloyd was a member for 75 years. Rev. Mark D. Miller officiating. MEMORIAL: In lieu of flowers please consider giving to Harbor Hospice or Central United Methodist Church.