Mr. David E. Cottom, 80, of Knoxville, Illinois died 1:04 a.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his wife and children.
He was born April 10, 1943, in Monmouth, Illinois to Earl Marion and Lora Adeline (McBride) Cottom. He married Laurie Hoots, on August 24, 1991, in Galesburg.
Surviving is his wife of 32 years, Laurie Cottom of Knoxville, a son, Jeremy Cottom of Knoxville, four daughters, Michelle Cottom of Safety Harbor, Florida, Monica (and Lewis) Young of Modoc, Indiana, Marcie (and D’Artaignan) LeDuke of Avon, Illinois, and Melissa (and Stevie) McGraw of Galesburg, two very special foster daughters, a brother, Alan (and Robin) Cottom of Galesburg, a sister, Lori (and Scott) Larson of San Antonio, Texas, 25 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and his four legged child, Tally. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Randy Vaughn, and a sister, Judy French.
David attended Abingdon schools. He served in the United States Army during Vietnam as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division. He was a truck driver for several years for Cottom’s Trucking in Wataga, Illinois. His CB handle was “Blue Bandit”. He later drove as an independent truck driver. After driving trucks for several years, he found his true calling as a diesel mechanic. He had earned the title of Master Mechanic working for VSM in Abingdon and DCM in Galesburg. He was a member of the former Prairieland Baptist Church in North Henderson, Illinois and drove the church bus every Sunday morning. He was a gun enthusiast, arrowhead collector, and enjoyed fishing and baking pies. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family.
Visitation will be from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Saturday, September 30, 2023, at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Military rites by the Knox County Honor Guard will follow the visitation at 5:00 p.m. Saturday at the chapel. Cremation will follow the visitation. Online condolence may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
