Charles “Chuck” Cecil Cotney, resident of Owasso, passed away Tuesday, December 27, 2016 in Claremore, OK at the age of 81. The son of Willis Ostell and Minnie Mae (Crawford) Cotney, Charles was born July 9, 1935 in Sallisaw, OK. He was raised in Sallisaw, OK, and graduated high school with the Class of 1953. Upon graduation, Charles enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He later transferred his service to the U.S. Army. Charles received numerous awards and citations during his service in Korea and Vietnam including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Purple Heart. A few years after retiring from the U.S. Army, Charles returned to Sallisaw and started his own business: Cotney Home Plumbing.
Charles is survived by Martha – his wife of 55 years. Charles married Martha O. Snow on September 14, 1961 in San Diego, CA. Also surviving are Charles and Martha’s three children – Sherry Collins and husband Kelly, Hank Cotney and wife Leichelle, and Mark Cotney and wife Carla. Charles was also blessed with seven grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willis and Minnie, and brother, Curtis.
Memorial graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the Fort Gibson National Cemetery, Fort Gibson, OK with Pastor James Eubanks officiating. Military honors will be accorded to Charles by the U.S. Army. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Claremore Veterans Center for their special care to Charles. (Services were entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.)
