COLUMBUS
Dennis W. Cotton, 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Columbus, Indiana February 13, 2026.
Dennis was born February 26, 1948, in Rockport, Indiana, to Melbern W. Cotton and Irene D. Bressler Cotton. Dennis spent his early years in Rockport and attended St. Bernard’s Church and school. Dennis was a graduate of Latin School in Evansville and Brescia College in Owensboro, Kentucky. He obtained his Master of Science degree in 1976 from Indiana State University.
Dennis’ passion was education. He spent his career teaching French and Spanish in Evansville including Harrison High School, Central High School and Signature School.
Dennis loved to travel and often spoke of his many adventures throughout Europe and the Americas. He enjoyed symphonies, operas and a good cigar. Dennis was a scholar and humanist, but he was also a handyman who always had a project underway.
As a devout Catholic, he studied at Latin School with aspirations of joining the priesthood. God’s plan, however, was to guide him to become a teacher, husband and father.
Dennis was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Melbern G. Cotton. Dennis is survived by his wife, Deb Hartgrove-Cotton; son, Dennis W. Cotton Jr. of Ashville, North Carolina; daughter, Julie Reed (David) of Bath, Michigan; stepchildren, Joshua D. Rafferty of Columbus, Adam M. Rafferty of Michigan City and Trisha Rafferty of Columbus; one grandson; three granddaughters; and five great-grandchildren.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Friday, February 20, 2026, at St. Bartholomew Catholic Church with Father Chris Wadelton as celebrant. Family and friends may gather for a time of visitation from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass Friday. The committal service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Madison, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, Dennis’ family requests that memorial contributions be made to Phi Beta Psi Sorority for cancer research grants.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the family at barkesweaverglick.com.
