H. Dean Cotton

H. Dean Cotton, 93, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 18, 2022, at The Cedars, McPherson.  He was a retired judge and attorney.  He worked as the county, probate, and juvenile judge for 14 years and then was a lawyer for the State of Kansas Dept. of Human Services for 17 years.

Dean was born on February 12, 1929, in McPherson, KS, the son of Floyd Harold and Mildred Irene (Tipton) Cotton.  He graduated from McPherson High School in 1947, McPherson College in 1951 and was the class salutatorian.  He then attended  Washburn Law School, graduating in1954.  On February 9, 1955, Dean was united in marriage to Esther Marie Ikenberry at the McPherson Church of the Brethren.

He was a United States Army Veteran.

Dean was a member of First United Methodist Church, Partners Sunday School Class, United Methodist Men, Kiwanis Club, Genealogy Club, McPherson County Historical Society, and life member of McPherson Opera House.

Survivors include: his loving wife of 67 years, Esther of the home; a son, Ken Cotton, DDS (Michelle) of McPherson, KS; a daughter, Kathy Gauby (Sid) of Boise, ID; three siblings, Jeanine Watratz of Surprise, AZ, Donald Cotton (Ivadelle) of Scott City, KS, and Carolyn Penner (Don) of North Newton, KS; four grandchildren, Kyle Gauby (Melissa), Kacie Noyes (Jeremy), Meghan Rathbun (Denver), and Matt Cotton (Jocie); six great-grandchildren, Owen, Henry, Evelyn, Henry David, Howard, and Amelia; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 24, 2022, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Emily Spearman Cannon officiating. A committal service will follow at McPherson Cemetery.  To view a live stream broadcast of the service, please click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cflDseXQI-X9a0PFSMh0Q/videos

Memorial donations may be given to First United Methodist Church, McPherson College, or The Cedars (resident assistance fund) in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460.