February 4, 1959 ~ August 5, 2025 (age 66)
Kenneth Dee Cotter, 66, passed away on August 5, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones. Services will be
held at 10 a.m. Monday, August 11, 2025, at Lacy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Bruce Engleman and
Kyle Simms officiating. Burial will follow at Erath Gardens of Memory Cemetery. Visitation will be held from
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, August 10, 2025, at Lacy Funeral Home.
Kenny was born in Gruver, Texas, on February 4, 1959, to John Everett Cotter and Betty Jean Heath. He
married Tereasa Lynn Trull on September 10, 1999, in Denton, Texas, and together they built a life
centered on love, family, and shared adventures.
Quiet by nature, Kenny was a man of few words — but when he spoke, people listened. His words carried
weight, not because he demanded attention, but because he had earned respect. He was a steady
presence, generous in spirit, deeply curious, and always eager to learn or teach. Whether it was his
children, his fellow Scouts, or friends who shared his many hobbies, Kenny had a way of guiding others
with quiet encouragement and a depth of knowledge.
He had a remarkable range of interests and talents. He was a skilled woodworker, dulcimer maker,
blacksmith, and clock repairer, but those were just a few among the many crafts and curiosities he picked
up over the years. A true craftsman at heart, he took pride in working with his hands and always seemed
to be learning something new. He was also known to stir up some competition at chili cook-offs, always
chasing the perfect blend of spice and flavor. He had a love for gardening and was an active competitor in
rose shows with the Dallas Area Rose Society.
Kenny found purpose and camaraderie in service and tradition. He was involved with the Sons of
Confederate Veterans Robert E. Lee Camp of Fort Worth, and he was a dedicated Mason, serving in
several lodges including Chalk Mountain No. 894, Grottoes of North America, Grand Lodge of the Royal Order of Scotland, York Rite – Commandery, The Masonic Society, Grand College of Rites of the USA, The Masonic Order of the Bath, Knight Masons, Order of St Thomas of Acon, York Rite – Chapter, York Rite – Council, The Philalethes Society, York Rite Sovereign College over nearly three decades and holding multiple
leadership positions.
Above all else, Kenny was a devoted family man. He found his greatest joy in the simple moments:
traveling, fishing, camping, leading Scouts, and sharing stories around the fire. He led by example — with
humility, strength, and love — and his impact on his family and community will be felt for generations.
Kenny is survived by his wife, Tereasa Cotter; children, Jason Bates of Plano, Texas; Amy Johnson and
husband, Cody, of Duncan, Oklahoma; Matthew Cotter and wife, Claire, of Little Rock, Arkansas; Megan
Cotter and husband, Jon, of Fort Worth, Texas; and Stephen Harrison and wife, Brittney, of Lewisville,
Texas; grandchildren, Ethon, Colton, Laynie, Chris, Avery, and Abby; siblings, Jimmy Cotter and wife,
Gayle, of Amarillo, Texas; Kathryn Pressley and husband, Brian, of Sapulpa, Oklahoma; and Karen Cotter
of Gruver, Texas. He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, James and Ruby Carlile of
Chalk Mountain, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Betty Jean Cotter, and his father-in-law, Eldon Trull.
Memorials may be made to Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital.
Be the first to comment