William Jay Cotton

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Oct. 20, 1947 - July 7, 2008

William Jay Cotton died Monday, July 7, 2008, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb., at the age of 60.

He was born Oct. 20, 1947, in McCook, Neb., the son of the late Thomas and Anne (Dillon) Cotton. Bill attended school in McCook and graduated from McCook High School in 1966.

In high school, Bill excelled in football and baseball, and after graduation he attended Arizona State University on a baseball scholarship. At ASU Bill was an all-American catcher and played on their 1969 championship team.

In 1969, he was the number one draft pick of the New York Mets and played professional baseball for six years. Before returning to Nebraska, he lived and worked in Wisconsin. He then returned to North Platte, Neb., where he worked for the Union Pacific Railroad until poor health forced him to retire.

Bill was an avid sports fan, but he particularly followed the Huskers. He enjoyed playing golf and the good friends he made on the golf course. Bill had many life-long friends, a great sense of humor and will be missed by all those who loved him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Tom and Anne Cotton and his sister, ReNea Sandry,

Bill is survived by his sister, Kay Scripter of North Platte and brother, Tom Cotton and wife, Ardis of Deer Lodge, Mont. He is also survived by nephws, Brian, Scott and Mike Mapes, Tom Cotton, Chad and Jason Sandry and nieces Susan, Laura and Stephanie Cotton.

Memorial services will be 1 p.m., Friday, July 11, 2008, at Herrmann Memorial Chapel in McCook. Inurnment will be in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook.

Memorials may be given in his name and friends may sign his register during regular business hours.

Herrmann Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.