DENVER--Chappie M. Cotton, 79, who retired some years ago after a 20-year career with the U.S. Mint, died on Aug. 31.A native of Oklahoma City, Mr. Cotton had been promoted to become an auditor for the federal mint before his retirement.
He worked for Continental Airlines after his 1978 retirement, retired again in 1991, and pursued another part-time career with the Denver Parks & Recreation Department.
Mr. Cotton worked for that department until last year.
Funeral services were held on Sept. 5 at Heritage Christian Center. Rev. Curtis Dean officiated.
Interment was held at Ft. Logan National Cemetery.
Chappie Maurice Cotton was born on Aug. 25, 1929, in Oklahoma City to Viola Fry and Chappie Cotton.
He graduated from Douglass High School in Oklahoma City, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Langston University.
While attending Langston, he joined the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.
He served with the U.S. Air Force in the Korean Conflict, having enlisted in 1951, and received an honorable discharge in 1955.
It was after he served at Lowry U.S. Air Force Base, which is in Denver, that Mr. Cotton became enamored with the Colorado city.
He decided to make Denver his home, and moved there in 1961.
A member of the Heritage Christian Center since the 1990’s, Mr. Cotton served there as a deacon, taught in the Sunday school, and served as an usher and as a greeter.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jessie Mae Cotton.
In addition, he is survived by four daughters (Cathy Cotton Cox, Lisa Cotton Tabor, Lynda Cotton and Stacy Cotton Ramos), and a son (Kevin Cotton).
Mr. Cotton is also survived by 15 grandchildren and a great grandchild.
