Mr. Charles Cotton, Jr., age 80, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, January 26, 2016 at approximately 8:05 am. at Lima Memorial Health Systems in Lima.

He was born on May 13, 1935 to the union of Charles and Lillie Y. Courtney Cotton, Sr.; both parents preceded him in death.

He was first married to Betty J. Burge who preceded him in death in 1979.  He married Essia Jackson on May 18, 1972, who survives in Lima.

Mr. Cotton retired as a core operator at General Motors Corporation.  He was a veteran of the United States Army and was a member of Kibby Street Church of Christ.  He was a member of the U.A.W. Local 211,  V.F.W. #1911, American Legion Post #95.

Besides his loving wife Essia, he leaves to cherish his precious memory 7 sons; Junior Cotton of Alabama.  Anthony Cotton (Sonia) of Arizona.  Joseph Cotton (Linda) of Jacksonville, FL.  Jeffrey Cotton (Andrea) and Maurice D. Cotton (Maria) both of Ft. Wayne, IN.  Charles Cotton, III of Lima and Antrail D. Cotton of Nashville, TN.  6 daughters; Marilyn Boney of Ft. Wayne, IN.  Sonya R. Cotton, Gloria Cotton, Nicole Nichols, De'Borah Woodley and Auntionna Cotton all of Lima.  37 grandchildren and 76 great grandchildren.  A sister; Delores Yates (Nathaniel) of Lima.   A host of nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a grandchild.  A sister; Emma Bean.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 12:00 p.m. at New Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. C. M. Manley, officiating.

Visitation/Wake services will be held on Monday, February 1, 2016 at 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Jones-Clark Funeral Home, Inc.