Charlene Cotten

Charlene Hinkel Cotten, 88, of Corpus Christi, Texas, formerly of Robstown, Texas, passed away April 24, 2017 in Plano, Texas. She was born June 12, 1928 in Weimer, Texas to Bernhardt and Erna Hinkel and moved to Robstown, Texas in 1930. She graduated as the Valedictorian of her class from Robstown High School and attended the University of Texas. She married Joe Sydney Cotten, he passed away in 1992, and they co-owned and operated Joe Cotten’s BBQ in Robstown, Texas. She was an avid bridge player, enjoyed gardening, bird watching, crossword puzzles, note writing and most of all family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Bernhardt and Erna Hinkel; her brothers, Clifton Hinkel and Kenneth Hinkel; and her sisters, Dorthy Proske and Virginia Lynch. She is survived by her children, Joe S. Cotten, Jr. (Kimberly), Jannese C. Knaus (David), Kenneth Cotten and Cecil Cotten (Frances); grandchildren, Kenny Cotten, Christopher Knaus, Michael Cotten, Joe Cotten IV, Courtney Pollard, Alice Reynolds, Rachel Cotten, Josh Cotten, Ivy Jane Neuman and Corbin Neuman; great grandchildren, Lucy Pollard, Cotten Pollard, Liam Cotten, Landon Cotten and Brooklyn Cotten. Visitation will be from 5 P.M. until 7 P.M. Wednesday, April 26, 2017 at Sawyer-George Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:30 P.M. Thursday, April 27, 2017 at River Hills Baptist Church with Bro. Bill Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in Robstown Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be John Williams, Michael Kieschnick, Jim Cave, Bill Martin, Jeff Furlong, Fred Elliff, Darrell McCain and Charles Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be Earl “Tater” Jalufka, Eddie Shores, David Williams, Robert Lee, Tom Priestly and Marvin Leshin. Those who wish may make donations to the charity of your choice.