Meadows Funeral Home

     Byron Nevil Cotton, 86, of Rolling Meadows formerly of Elk Grove Village passed away peacefully October 2, 2025. He was born May 3, 1939, in Parkersburg, West Virginia to the late Vivian (nee Haller) and Carl Cotton.
     Byron was the husband of Marlene (nee Hoppe) Cotton; father of Kathleen (Jim) Sheldrake, Brandt (Julie) Cotton, and Kerri (the late Thomas) Bergloff; grandfather of Joseph Barton, Kristine Barton, Emily (Vladimir) Somova, Carl Jerry "CJ" Cotton, Chase Cotton, Billy Bergloff and Amy Bergloff; brother of Carol (Denny) Riggle; uncle of Shane (Angie) Riggle and the late Daniel (Tina) Riggle; great uncle of Mickey and Evan Riggle, and  Dalton and  Dillan Riggle.
     Byron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and had many life long friends. He was born in Parkersburg, West Virginia in 1939. The family moved to Chicago in the Austin neighborhood where he met his future wife Marlene threw friends.
     He was a coin engraver in Chicago after going to art school and had four years of architectural drawing. He then worked from home and started his own business making dies for coins. Years later worked at XL with his son Brandt and later retired.
     He was an excellent bartender, good cook, great artist, bowled several perfect games, loved Atari games back in the 80's, and music. He loved buying records and had a very big collection. Both he and his son Brandt had a large beer collection together, and now Brandt shares it with his boys.
     He was an animal lover and had 12 dogs during his life time. He also had turtles, fish, and cats and all of them have reunited with him. 
     Byron attended church close to his home in Freeport, Illinois. He enjoyed his Pastor "Don" very much, because he would sprinkle in something about the Bears in his sermons to keep him listening. Since then he stayed a believer. In his hospital bed, Byron had his hands folded in prayer, and no doubt God heard him.
     Forever in our hearts, until we meet again.
     A Celebration of Byron's life will be held Saturday, October 11th, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm, with a service at 1:30 pm at the Meadows Funeral Home, 3615 Kirchoff Road, Rolling Meadows. 
     Information (847)253-0224 or Meadowsfh.com.