Mr. Melvin Cotton

We loved him; He loved us. He may be gone from our sight, But never from our hearts...

Born September 26, 1960, Melvin Cotton was the first of five children to the union of Ebbie Gene Cotton and Thelma Cotton. His father and a baby brother preceded him in death. Melvin was a friendly, rambunctious kid with a loving smile that coined him the nickname “Smiley” by the neighborhood kids. Melvin began his spiritual journey at Rising Star MB Church where he was baptized in the Mississippi River under the leadership of the late Reverend Andrew Lee Smith. Years later, God filled him with the Holy Ghost while in prayer with Pastor Joe Middleton.

Melvin attended University City School District and was a good student and member of the football team. After graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979. He served his country during peacetime traveling to the Philippine Islands, Japan, and Australia ports. He received an honorable discharge July 18, 1983. He earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering and enjoyed a 38-year successful career with McDonell Douglas/Boeing.

Melvin was community minded and an inspiration to many. He helped younger employees navigate their careers at Boeing. Outside of work, Melvin was an inspiration and mentor to ‘little leaguers’ both on and off the court as their first coach in various sports. Melvin was also an avid biker who enjoyed bike trips with his motorcycle club “The King of Hearts.”

In 2003, Melvin met and fell in love with Alice Jackson; they married on October 8, 2005, and began their 16-year life journey. Together, they enjoyed traveling, sports, going to concerts and watching Sci Fi movie thrillers side by side! In March of 2021, Melvin was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Throughout his courageous battle with cancer, he was sustained by vigilant thoughts of love and prayers from his faithful wife, mother, family and friends. He fought a good fight, but sadly lost the battle early Wednesday morning, December 1, 2021.

Melvin leaves to cherish his loving memories: his devoted wife, Alice Cotton; daughter, Lacey Jackson; granddaughter, Zoe Jackson; loving mother, Thelma Cotton; two faithful brothers, Kevin Cotton (Patricia) and Darrell Cotton (Kinesha); a beloved sister, Cassandra Cotton; four cherished sisters-in law, Doris Middleton (Joe Louis), Carolyn Crenshaw, Norma Ogunmolawa, and Erma Jackson; and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbors, and dear friends.

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