Arthur “Lee” Cotton was born on June 20, 1942, in Grand Junction, Colorado, to Owen L. Cotton and Jennie Mae Cotton. The youngest of six children, Lee was known for his intelligence, strength, humor, and deep love for his family.

After graduating from high school, Lee attended Mesa College in Grand Junction, where he continued playing football as a tackle—a position well suited to his exceptionally large and powerful build. Family lore says opposing players simply ran the other way when they saw him coming. Yet beneath his commanding presence was a kind and gentle man, known for the warmth, loyalty, and quiet humor he shared with those around him.

In 1962, Lee married Betty, the love of his life. Together, they built a family and shared a lifetime of memories. Lee later moved Betty and their two children to Golden, Colorado, where he earned a degree in computer programming. After graduation, he was recruited to work at White Sands Missile Range. The opportunity brought his family to Las Cruces, New Mexico, and marked the beginning of an extraordinary 45-year career.

Through hard work and sacrifice, Lee provided a wonderful life for his family. He took great pride in making it possible for Betty to stay home and raise their four children. His family was always at the center of his life.

Lee had a brilliant mathematical mind. Those who knew him often described him as the most intelligent person they had ever met. His ability to solve complex problems and recognize patterns seemed effortless.

Lee’s many talents and interests created countless cherished memories. He loved music and was often singing along or whistling to his favorite songs. His whistle was beautifully musical—clear, expressive, and remarkably accurate. He followed a melody so naturally that his whistle seemed to become another instrument in the song. It was one of those small, distinctive gifts that made him unforgettable, and its sound remains a treasured family memory.

Lee’s dry sense of humor often left people wondering whether he was serious until his quiet laugh gave him away. He was also a masterful chess player, known for his patience, concentration, and ability to calculate several moves ahead. He could study the board quietly, anticipate an opponent’s strategy, and plan his response long before anyone else realized what he was doing. His skill made him nearly impossible to beat, and every game became a lesson in strategy, focus, and the remarkable workings of his mind.

Lee’s physical strength was just as memorable as his mental abilities. His nephews often challenged him to arm-wrestling matches, convinced that with enough determination they might finally defeat their powerful Uncle Lee. They would brace themselves, grip the table, and give it everything they had while Lee calmly waited for the contest to begin. With a smile, he always gave them a chance to try—and then pressed their hands down in about one second flat.

The matches ended quickly, but the laughter, playful competition, and repeated challenges became treasured family memories. Even though his nephews knew how each contest would end, they kept coming back for another chance to beat him, and Lee always seemed to enjoy the challenge as much as they did.

Lee was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty; his parents, Jennie and Owen; all five of his siblings; his granddaughter, Joleen; and his nieces Juanita, Christina, Doreen, and Catherine.

After Betty passed away, Lee carried her memory with him for 17 years. On August 22, 2026, he peacefully left this earthly life and went home to be with Jesus. His family finds comfort in knowing that he was welcomed into Heaven and reunited with Betty, the woman he loved for a lifetime.

He is survived by his four children, Randy Cotton (Mary), Tina DeMartino (Moe), Charles Cotton (Bernadine), and Candy Cotton-Cosper (Dan); his grandchildren, Darren, Jeremy, Randy, Tyler, Alisha (Cotton), Derek DeMartino, Amanda Cotton, Amber Escalante, Ryan Cotton-Cosper, and Brittanie Cotton-Cosper; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Lee will be remembered for his brilliant mind, strength, humor, music, faith, and devotion to his family. His towering presence, quiet laugh, beautiful whistle, carefully planned chess strategies, and legendary one-second arm-wrestling victories will remain part of the stories his family tells for generations. His songs and melodies may have faded into silence, but the joy they brought—and the memories of hearing him sing and whistle—will remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Each of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren inherited something uniquely special from him—whether his intelligence, mathematical ability, strength, humor, or musical talent—ensuring that the many gifts that made Lee so remarkable will continue to live on through generations.

Our daddy and Papa will be deeply missed and forever cherished. Though his family grieves his absence, they hold tightly to the promise that this goodbye is not forever. His love and legacy will live on through the family he and Betty created together until the day they are reunited again.

Lee’s family is deeply grateful to the devoted caregivers who took such wonderful care of him and to Mesilla Valley Hospice for the compassion and tender, loving care they extended to Lee and his entire family.

A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 4201 North Sonoma Ranch Blvd.

Following the service, Lee’s family and friends will proceed to Masonic Cemetery, 760 S. Compress Road, where inurnment will be alongside Betty and his beloved mother, Jennie.

Service arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Baca’s Funeral Chapel and Sunset Crematory, 300 E. Boutz Road, 575-527-2222. Your exclusive provider for “Veterans and Family Memorial Care.” For online condolences log on to www.bacasfuneralchapelslascruces.com