Robert Bob Heath Cotton Sr.

Robert Heath Cotton Sr., frequently referred to as "Bob" by many friends and family passed away in Clearlake, CA at age 69. Bob was born on February 25th, 1945 in San Diego, CA to Russell and Maxine (Morgan) Cotton. He would have turned 70 just 10 days later on February 25. Instead he was suddenly taken from us all on February 15th, 2015. His passing is a shock to family and friends. Bob left behind 8 children (from oldest to youngest) Tanya Mahlen with Mendo Mill , A. Laura Matthias with LCTHC, John Christopher , Heather Marie, Robert Cotton Jr. with Self-Employed, Carina Cotton with Homemaker, Kirsten Dellinger with Homemaker and Matthew Cotton with Self- Employed; and 12 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren.

Bob served his country in the U. S. Army until he was discharged with full honors in Late 1963. During his service, he earned his Marksmanship badge. As a skilled marksman, he was able to pass his unique skills down to his oldest two children, Tanya and Laura. One of which passed her skills down to her children.

Bob lived his life to its fullest throughout his different career paths which took him from California to Washington and back to California. He had the ability to change careers if he was bored or tired of doing the same thing day in and day out. One employer he really enjoyed working for was a local favorite, Epidendio Construction in Clearlake, CA. He worked there as a truck driver for 5 years. Another career, with his most notable having been working as a cook and a restaurant Manager/Manager Trainer for Denny's Restaurant. He absolutely loved to cook, and passed those skills on to his daughters Tanya and Carina. He even patented his own BBQ sauce known by family as Bobaloo’s BBQ sauce. As Bob settled into retirement, he chose to live out his senior days sipping coffee and smoking cigarettes and talking with his best friend Paul. Through the last 5 years he enjoyed living with his son Robert, Jr. and his wife and kids and spent his final year, living with his daughter Carina and her husband and kids.

Among different careers, he had many hobbies. One of which was rock collecting. His son Robert can tell you many stories about those rocks. He would talk often about every one of his children to anyone who would listen. He would keep pictures of those that he didn't get to see often, in his personal folder. Although he didn't get to talk to all of his children very often, he loved each and every one of them and never forgot them. Bob will be missed by many, but he will be especially missed by his children.

A memorial service will be held for Bob at Jones & Lewis Mortuary located at 16140 Main Street in Lower Lake, California on March, 17 2015 at 1PM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family on the Go Fund me account at www.gofundme.com/bobcottonfuneral.