Frederick LeRoy Cotton, age 88 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday June 5, 2013 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Fred was born on September 7, 1924 in Cheyenne, WY to Roy and Mayme (Smith) Cotton. He grew up in Cheyenne and graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1942. On April 2, 1944 he married Betty Jane Zarr in Reno, NV. The couple was married for 47 years. Betty passed away January 3, 1991. He joined the Navy December 29, 1941, during WWII, and remained in duty till November 9, 1945. After an honorable discharge from the Navy the couple made their home in Cheyenne, WY. They moved to North Platte in 1969 where he worked as an electrical foreman for the UPRR for 40 years, retiring in 1984. In 1995 he moved to Arizona; and then back to North Platte in 2007. Fred enjoyed many things in life including collecting clocks, his Corgy dog Mitzi, traveling, hiking and hosting camp sites in the Wyoming Mountains. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, the American Legion, Good Sam Club, VFW, IBEW, Eagles and Elks.
Fred is survived by his special sweetheart of 20 years, Connie Hemphill; 3 sons Jerry (Judy), Gary, Keith (Cindy) Cotton and 1 daughter Carol Cotton all of North Platte; grandchildren Kim (Gary) Nelson, Terra (Jason) McKinney, Selene (Joe) Salvatore, Shayne Cotton; 10 great grandchildren, Jordan, Alisha, Rylie, Mikinzie, Colton, Minnie, Owen, Emit, Andrew and Joshua; 1 great great grandson Jaylen; and 1 niece Jenny Scott.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty; parents Roy and Mayme Cotton; brother Orville Cotton; granddaughters Lisa and Lori; grandson Gary Jr, and great granddaughter Tiara.
Many thanks to the staff at Centennial and to the Hospice program for the great care they took of Fred.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences can be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Ned Cooper officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. and Monday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.