William Merl Cotton

Jan. 9, 1916-April 18, 2012

William (Bill) Cotton was born in Rule, TX on January 9, 1916 and passed away on April 18, 2012 at the age of 96.

Bill’s family moved to CA in 1932 where he attended UC Berkley, Stanford, and graduated from UCLA. He was manager of the Department of Motor Vehicles in Merced and was active in Merced Senior Social Club, AARP, Merced Historical Society, and the American Legion Post 83.

Bill and his wife Mae just recently celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary.

Bill is survived by his wife, Luella Mae Cotton; daughters, Toni Thomas, Katherine (Ray) Jones, and Patricia (Bob) Scoble; 10 Grandchildren; 20 Great-Grandchildren; brother, Jim (Donna) Cotton; and nephew, Gary (Theresa) Stroud.

Visitation will be at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home, 1490 B St., Merced, CA on Wednesday, April 25, 2012 at 11:00 A.M. with a reception to follow at 12:00 P.M. in the hall.

The family is requesting in lieu of flowers to make contributions to the Merced Historical Society, 21st and N St., Merced, CA 95340 or Hinds Hospice, 410 W Main St.; Ste A, Merced, CA 95340.

Arrangements are under the direction of Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home.