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Dale Amos Cotton, 82, WWII Veteran, original member of the Amherst Community Choir, loved to raise his roses and give them away

Dale Amos Cotton, 82 years of age, and a resident of Amherst, passed away Saturday, April 26, 2003 at his home following a six-month illness.

He was born April 14, 1921 in Lorain where he was raised and graduated from Clearview High School with the class of 1939. He had lived in Lorain before moving to his home in Amherst 46 years ago.

After high school he attended Kent State University until he was called to military service during World War II where he served in the Army Airways Communication Squadron stationed in Alaska and Canada. He received the American Theater Service Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Medal. After 3 years and 4 months service he returned to Kent State to complete his bachelor degree with a double major in Education and Business Administration. Later he graduated from Western Reserve University in Cleveland with a Master's Degree in Secondary School Administration.

He taught high school English and Business for 4 years. In 1951 he went to work for the Lorain Works of U.S. Steel Corporation retiring in 1982 after 31 years in Rate and Salary Administration.

He was a member of St. Peter's United Methodist Church of Christ where he served on the church council and performed a number of service and support functions in the church. He was especially interested in the effort to refurbish the pipe organ in the church. He loved to sing and was one of the original members of the Amherst Community Choir and performed with them through the end of 2002. He enjoyed traveling, gardening, and community activities. He was supportive of Workshop Players, school theater and music education. He especially enjoyed raising and giving away many beautiful roses.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Marjorie J. Cotton (nee Gamble); his sons, Gary L. Cotton of Amherst, Dean L. Cotton of Fayetteville, GA, Rob D. Cotton of Bolivar, OH, and Todd W. Cotton of Amherst, 11 grandchildren, 1 great granddaughter, and his sister Mrs. Phyllis Martin of Seville, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leon and Evelyn (nee Amos) Cotton, and by his brother Ben A. Cotton in 1986.

Friends may call Monday, April 28, 2003 from 2-4 and 6-9 PM at the Hempel Funeral Home, 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11:00 AM at St. Peter United Church of Christ, 582 Church St. Amherst. The Rev. Charlotte Still Noble, a pastor of the United Church of Christ, will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst Township.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter's United Church of Christ Pipe Organ rebuilding fund, 582 Church St., Amherst, Ohio 44001.

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