Paul Dick R. Cotton

Mr. Cotton was a retired Chief Master Sergeant in the United States Air Force. Prior to service in the Air Force Mr. Cotton also served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Bennington. Dick was a member of the Swansea Improvement Association. He enjoyed playing golf and video games.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur and Helen, nee Leverton, Cotton; a step-mother, Pauline Cotton; a brother, Robert Cotton; and a sister, Sondra Moore.

Surviving are his wife, whom he met in the Navy and married Jan. 12, 1958, Shirley, nee Madison, Cotton; two daughters, Terry (Ron) McKeever of Davidsonville, Md., and Kim (John) Laird of Houston, Texas; five grandchildren, Lauren, Stephanie, and David McKeever, and Corey and Emily Laird; two brothers, Bill and Don Cotton; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Memorials are appreciated to Zion Lutheran Church, Belleville, Ill. Condolences may be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2011, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill.

Funeral: Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at Lake View Funeral Home, Fairview Heights, Ill., with the Rev. Gary Byers officiating. Interment will be in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Ill.