David Clinton Cotten
12 March 1927 - 4 March 2020

Helen Powell Cotten
1 February 1933 - 16 November 2019


wed 17 October 1958

Helen Powell Cotten, 86, of Texarkana, Texas, formerly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, November 16, 2019 in Texarkana.
Helen was born in Baltimore, Maryland on February 1, 1933, daughter of Richard Hamilton Thompson and Alice Powell Thompson.  On October 17, 1958 she was married at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Oklahoma City to Dr. David C. Cotten, longtime pastor, Army chaplain and seminary administrator. A beloved wife, devoted mother,  loving grandmother and dearly loved Christian friend to many, Helen will be greatly missed by her family and a multitude of close friends, including residents and staff of Cornerstone Retirement Community.
Helen was know for her love fore the Lord, her immediate and extended family, her church, her work, and her many friends.  She was devoted to her grandchildren, for whom she regularly prayer.  Helen had a gift with people and made friends wherever she went.
Survivors include her husband of 63 years; her son in whom she had such pride and joy, David Powell Cotten and wife, Shawna, of Texarkana, Texas; her dearly loved daughter and best friend, Deanna Leigh Manske and husband, Don, of St. Charles, Illinois.   Helen had great influence in the lives of her children and her 5 cherished grandchildren whom she adored: Caroline Powell and Joe Greiner of Brooklyn, New York; Amanda Leigh Cotten of Texarkana, Texas; Allison Ray and Caleb Cochrum of Arlington Heights, Illinois; Luke Harrison Manske and Haleigh Cotten Manske of St. Charles, Illinois.  She is also survived  by nephew, Richard and Nancy Thompson of San Luis Obispo, California.
Memorial service was held Thursday morning, December 26, 2019 at East Funeral Home-Moores Lane. 
Memorials may be made to The Gideons International or Dallas Theological Seminary.


Dr. David Clinton Cotten, 92, of Texarkana, Texas, formerly of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 4 , 2020 in Texarkana.
David was born in Sherman, Texas on March 12, 1927, son of  Paul Luther Cotten and Lela Mae Trail Cotten.  On October 17, 1958 he was married at Metropolitan Baptist Church in Oklahoma City to Helen Powell Cotten,  A loving husband and father, devoted grandfather, dear friend, spiritual teacher and mentor, he will be greatly missed by his family and friends, including those at Cornerstone Retirement  Community.
David attended Wheaton College and graduated from the University of North Texas in 1948, having won the title of National Debate Champion. David held Master's degrees from Dallas Theological Seminary and the University of Oklahoma and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Phillips University.  He was senior pastor of Metropolitan Baptist  Church in Oklahoma City for 33 years, during which he was also instrumental in establishing the Oklahoma Christian Counseling Center.  David served as Chaplain for 28 years in the 45th Infantry Brigade, retiring as full Major.  He returned to Dallas Theological Seminary in 1989 to serve as Vice-President for Student Affairs and Professor of Pastoral Ministries.  Even in his retirement in 2000,  David returned to Oklahoma and served as Pastor of Senior Adults at Faith Bible Church in Edmond, Oklahoma.   David was a faithful and true servant to his Lord Jesus Christ.  He was devoted to teaching others the Bible.  He mentored, counseled, encouraged and befriended a  multitude of people throughout his lifetime of ministry.  He was a loving and dearly beloved father and
grandfather with tremendous influence through his concern and prayers.
Survivors include son, David Powell Cotten and wife, Shawna, of Texarkana, Texas; daughter, Deanna Leigh Manske and husband, Don, of St. Charles, Illinois; grandchildren: Caroline Powell and Joe Greiner of Brooklyn, New York; Amanda Leigh Cotten of Texarkana, Texas; Allison Ray and Caleb Cochrum of Arlington Heights, Illinois; Luke Harrison Manske and Haleigh Cotten Manske of St. Charles, Illinois.
A graveside service was held Saturday afternoon, March 28 at Akers Cemetery, Sherman, Texas.
Memorials may be made to Dallas Theological Seminary, Gideon's or Hospice of Texarkana.

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