Hyram was born in Wink, Texas to Hyram Coulter (Doc) Cotton, Sr. and Ruth Elizabeth Cotton.
Hyram attended San Marcos Baptist Academy, where he graduated in 1953. He also attended Midland College. Hyram entered the United States Army in May of 1958. Hyram became an Odessa Fire Fighter in November 1964 and retired in December 1994 at the rank of Senior Captain. He was with the Odessa Fire Department for 30 years and was one of the first paramedics in the OFD. He was a Mason and a former member of the Odessa Chuck Wagon Gang.
Many words can be used to describe Hyram such as fun-loving, funny and dedicated. He would give you the shirt off of his back to make you feel comfortable. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family. Hyram was a die-hard Permian fan. Football, of course, was his favorite sport to watch, but he enjoyed all sports that his sons were involved in.
Hyram is survived by his wife of 58 years, Yvonne Cotton, his children, grandchildren and extended family: Son, Hyram Coulter (Jack) Cotton III and grandson Jackson Coulter “Cole” Cotton. Son, James Thomas Cotton and his wife Amye, and grandsons Jarret Thomas Cotton and Justen Tyler Cotton. Son, Jason Scott Cotton and his girlfriend Lura Kirkland. Daughter, Lisa Elaina and her husband Harold Salmon, grandson Coulter Salmon and his wife Kelsey, and great grandson Levi Salmon. Also included in his extended family, is his brotherhood of firefighters and friends.
A Memorial service will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2018 at 11:00a.m. Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors 4635 Oakwood Dr. Odessa, Texas 79761, with Chaplin Gary Kennedy officiating.
Hyram is preceded in death by his parents Hyram “Doc” and Ruth Cotton. Two of the three triplet brothers Louis and Thomas Cotton.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to San Marcos Baptist Academy or the Odessa Fire Department in honor of Hyram Cotton, Jr.
