David McAfee Cotton

David McAfee Cotton of Lynnwood, WA passed away on May 28, 2023, and was called home at last. David was born in Bluffton, IN on Aug. 5, 1949, to Lyle and Gladys (McAfee) Cotton. David graduated from Bluffton High School in 1967 and was a proud Tiger. David then continued on to Purdue University where he earned his BSCE. Most importantly at Purdue, he met the absolute love of his life, Katie Stotts. David was instantly in love, and the two of them couldn`t be apart. David and Katie then went on to be married on Jan. 20, 1974. They then moved to California for David to attend the University of California, Berkley to obtain his master’s degree in Civil Engineering. After graduating, they started their family in the Seattle area. The Pacific Northwest has been home for them ever since. They added to their family when they were joined by their 2 sons, Ian and Dylan Cotton, who were their pride and joy. The above success in life was not an accident, due to the way David lived his life from a young age. David loved to talk about his childhood in Bluffton, and how it brought him the work ethic he had in his life, whether it was debeaking chickens, working for Inskeep or delivering the very paper you are reading. He often bragged about doing 2-3 newspaper routes before school, on a bike, no matter the weather. “You just never know what job mom would come up with that day” David was a paragon amongst men. He embodied the best of us; a steadfast and doting Husband, a patient Father, loving Uncle, a mentor to generations of young men through his leadership role in the Boy Scouts of America, through his leadership in professional engineering, and as a mentor and counselor supporting numerous outreach and mentorship programs at the church, he and Katie called home. David loved hard, and loved often, not knowing a stranger. As the author of numerous white papers, he and his close friends and colleagues in the geotechnical engineering field, pioneered new ways to build structures and infrastructure that will last for generations. As a Scout Leader, he mentored and coached generations of young men on what it meant to be a sentinel and up-standing citizen in their communities. As a church leader, he sought out the underrepresented, the outcast, and cast aside and was there to show them how to look to Jesus. As an uncle he was always looking for ways to bring the fun and connect with his extended family. As a father he was patient, looking for ways to share the wonders of God's creation. And as a husband, he was the bedrock that the family could look to, as the calm in any storm. He was always ready with a song (Christmas tunes, and Bob Dylan being some of his favorites), or a story, a willing ear and welcoming smile. He was a great storyteller who was always ready for an adventure, never losing his wonder at life and the creation around him, and was always, always up for a little (good) mischief. His huge smile would greet you with anything you suggested, most of the time. David had 2 siblings, Claudia, and Steven, that he loved dearly. He had a wonderful childhood growing up in Bluffton, that involved time spent in Ossian and Uniondale with extended family. David cherished his family and loved them all very much. He especially loved big family trips around the United States with his parents and siblings. He was legacy minded, forward thinking, and loved Jesus with all his heart. He will be greatly missed by all those that know and knew him. Survivors include his beloved wife, Katie Lynnwood, WA, and 2 sons, Ian (Angel) Cotton of Mesa, AZ, and Dylan (Melanie) Cotton, Mountlake Terrace, WA, a sister, Claudia (Richard) Gipson of Dillsboro, IN. David is also survived by 1 beloved granddaughter, Aurora Cotton, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Aside from his parents David is proceeded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Steven, and Judy (Croy) Cotton, as well as other extended family. There will be a celebration of life at West Gate Chapel 22901 Edmonds Way, Edmonds WA 98020, on Aug 26, 2023, at 1pm.

David McAfee Cotton

August 5, 1949 - May 28, 2023