Dwane Bradley Cotter, 90

Funeral services for Dwane Bradley Cotter, 90, of Caulfield, were held Nov. 19, 2024, in the Rose Chapel at Robertson-Drago Funeral Home in West Plains. Burial was at Amy Cemetery. 

Mr. Cotter died at 3:38 p.m. Nov. 15, at his home. He was born on Oct. 23, 1934, in Viola, Arkansas, to Okus Cotter and Lucy Burns Cotter. He met the love of his life, Linda Lair, in 1962. It happened when he was standing beside his red 1955 Ford convertible and his eyes met hers across the road. They both later said it felt like electricity arced between them. Their first kiss was one to remember. He married Linda on May 23, 1964, and they shared 60 wonderful, happy years together. 

Dwane served in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959. His stories about driving a bus down the road from Pikes Peak in Colorado were terrifying, but apparently impressed his Captain enough that he was granted his license to drive a bus, much to his dismay. 

Dwane traveled a lot when he was younger and loved to tell his children stories of the places he had been. 

He had many jobs through the years, but his job as a carpenter and a woodworker is how he was most well known. He built and remodeled many houses in the area and was a mentor to many. 

He loved his farm and being out in nature. When it snowed, and the roads were bad, he could always find a reason why he needed to go to Bakersfield, even if it was just to see if he could get there and back. When he was driving, if there was a car ahead of him on the road, he was not satisfied until he caught up with it and passed it. His family all learned to hold on tight.

Dwane is survived by his loving wife, Linda; their three children: Kim (Thom) of Jefferson City, Brad (Megan) of Floral, Arkansas, and Tim (Melinda) of Ash Grove; eight grandchildren: Kara (Jake), Katie; Shannon (Darren), Connor, Ciara, Chase, Leandra, and Torin; siblings: LeFreda Rowland, Jecquita Durham, Verlene Miller, Eudene Legg (Bob), and Ewell (Pee Wee) Cotter (Patsy); as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly.

Dwane is preceded in death by his parents, Okus and Lucy Cotter; two brothers: Quintin and Garold Cotter; and three brothers-in-law: Larry Miller, Charlie Durham, and Jim Rowland.

 Memorial contributions may be made to Amy Cemetery or Paragould Children’s Home and may be left at or mailed to Robertson-Drago Funeral Home, 211 West Main, West Plains, MO  65775.  Online condolences may be left at www.robertsondrago.com