Howard J. Cotton Obituary (1932 - 2015)

Howard J. Cotton, 82, of Bloomington, passed away at 7:34 p.m., Tuesday, March 3, 2015 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal.His funeral will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, March 7 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Bloomington with Monsignor Douglas Hennessy officiating. Military rites will be accorded by Bloomington-Normal American Legion Honor Guard. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Normal. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, March 6 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m.Memorials may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry or the Community Cancer Center.Howard was born June 4, 1932 in Heyworth, the son of John D. and Nellie D. Lee Cotton. He married Mary Catherine Lenegar on October 20, 1956 in Bloomington. She preceded him in death on February 28, 2008.Howard is survived by four daughters, Kimberly (Curt) Smith and Diane Siron, both of Bloomington, Julia (Edgar) Duvall of Viola, AR and Mary D. Cotton of Laura; two sons, Pat Cotton of Bloomington and David (Karin) Cotton of Normal; 7 grandchildren and 4great grandchildren; and his special friend and companion of 7 years, Connie Wheeler of Bloomington.He was preceded in death by two brothers and two sisters.Howard graduated from Heyworth High School. He was a US Army veteran of the Korean War and was a member of American Legion Post #56 and VFW Post #454, both in Bloomington. He was an electrician by trade and a member of IBEW Local #197 in Bloomington. Howard retired from the Town of Normal in 1995 after 18 years as electrical inspector.He was a member of Historic St. Patricks Catholic Church, the Altar Rosary Society of the church and volunteered at St. Vincent de Paul. Howard was a member of the Fr. John D. Ring Knights of Columbus Council #574 in Bloomington, was a past Grand Knight of the Council and was a 4th Degree Knight.Howard was an avid Cubs, Bears and Notre Dame fan; and enjoyed golf and bowling.