Richard T. Cotton

Richard T. Cotton

April 19, 1934 – August 16, 2021

Richard Cotton died in Omaha, Nebraska on August 16, 2021, at age 87.  Dick was born April 19, 1934, in Omaha.  He graduated from UNO with an education degree.  He also received his Master’s Degree from UNO and his Doctorate from the University of Nebraska.

Dick served at Burke High School for 35 years as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director.  He was a multi-sport athlete at Tech High School in Omaha playing football, basketball, and baseball.  Dick also played college football at UNO and was a member of UNO’s undefeated 1955 Tangerine Bowl team where they defeated Eastern Kentucky 7-6.

Richard was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Barbara, parents, Irene (Shebilsky) and Leonard Cotton, his brother, also named Leonard Cotton.  He is survived by son, Barney (Christine) of Elkhorn, NE; daughters, Christie Cotton of Austin, TX, Jan Peterson (Mike) of Elkhorn, NE; eight grandchildren; four nephews; one niece.

Private family services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association of Omaha at 11711 Arbor Street, #110, Omaha, NE  68144.

6 Comments

  • Pete Noriega Posted August 17, 2021 11:26 pm

    Jan and family I am sorry for the loss of your father. I hope memories help bring comfort and peace in your time of loss.

  • Colleen Richardson Posted August 18, 2021 6:42 am

    Jan and family, you are in our prayers. Kaley and I send our love and a great big hug to you and Laina. God bless you during this difficult time❤️

  • Teresa Cavanaugh Posted August 18, 2021 3:21 pm

    The Tech High Class of ’51 extends their sympathy to Dick’s family
    Jerry Kletke, Bob Mackie and Teresa Golden Cavanaugh

  • Mary Haddock Posted August 19, 2021 1:04 pm

    We so appreciated Dr. Cotton’s support for our family and me as an employee. Sending our condolences to the family.

  • Lois Hynek Posted August 23, 2021 9:14 am

    My deepest sympathy to all of Dr Cotton’s family. I enjoyed working with Dr Cotton at Burke. He was a very kind and caring person and will certainly be missed.

  • Timothy Riley Posted August 26, 2021 7:10 am

    I remember Dr. Cotton fondly from my time as a student at Burke. There was a day he called me into his office for skipping geometry classes. I had missed classes after the teacher kicked me out for something someone else had said. Dr. Cotton patiently listened to my side of the story and fixed the problem. I will always remember his grace. My condolences to his family, especially my classmate Christie. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. You have all endured a rough time lately.

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