Earnest Mancel Cotton

Earnest was born in Rusk County, Texas to Ruby Peterson and John Cotton. After a brief time in Virginia during the war, the family moved to Dallas where he grew up and attended W.H. Adamson High School. He later married the love of his life, Betty, and they lived most of their life together in DeSoto, TX.

Earnest’s 60-year career in the construction industry began as a master carpenter and ended as a superintendent managing major projects for Julian P. Barry General Contractors. He was particularly proud of his work on Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, Highland Park Cafeteria, and the Melrose Hotel. He also oversaw the Youth Building and other remodeling for his home church, Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, Texas. His final project at age 76 was the historic Hotel Settles in Big Spring, Texas. Until his last days he remained fascinated with construction projects and always wanted a “closer look”.

He joined the Masonic Order in 1968 as a member of Sam P. Cochran Lodge No. 1335. He rose to the position of Worshipful Master and received his 50-year award in 2019. He was also a proud member of the Hella Shrine, the Knights Templar and the Dallas Scottish Rite Cathedral.

Earnest was passionate about missionary work and traveled to Russia and the Ukraine with his church and good friend Pastor Charles Kendall. He also traveled to Laramie, Wyoming and remodeled the Baptist Collegiate House for the campus.

Earnest was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Betty Cotton; parents John & Ruby Cotton; sister Rene Runnels; and brother Larry Cotton. He was the proud father of Debi Cotton Pena and husband Darren, Buddy Brumley and wife Nancy. Earnest loved and was so proud of

his grandchildren Brittany Jackson, Jason Smith (Julia), Jeff Junkin (Sara), Misty Conigliaro (Brian), Mariah Hancock (Steve), Bennett Pena (Kristen) and Robert Pena (Brendan); and his 11 great-grandchildren, and three nephews John, David and Scott.

Services will be held at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 265 W. Pleasant Run Road, Cedar Hill, TX 75104 at 2pm, Saturday August 29 with interment to follow at Laurel Land Memorial Park, 6300 South R L Thornton Fwy, Dallas, TX 75232. Visitation will be Friday, August 28 from 6-7:30pm at Laurel Land Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church Missionary Fund for Youth or Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital (scottishriteforchildren.org)