Robert Wayne (Bobby) Cotten

Robert Wayne (Bobby) Cotten passed from this life into the arms of his Lord and Savior on July 16, 2026. He was 83 years old and a resident of Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Bobby was an outstanding athlete at Baton Rouge High School earning All-State, All-District and All-American honors. He graduated in 1961 and was recruited to play football at LSU. When the Vietnam war broke out, Bobby joined the Army Reserves and honorably served his country from 1963-1968 where he was named Outstanding Soldier of his company in basic training. He went on to attend Southeastern where he played football and baseball. In 2019 he was inducted into the Baton Rouge High School Hall of Fame –an honor that reflected the impact he made both on and off the field.

Bobby spent his career in sales, construction management, and land development, before opening Cotten & Co. and discovering his passion in antique heart pine and old cypress, crafting beautiful flooring, windows, doors and millwork.

Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was known for his warm smile, sense of humor, kind heart, steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, and love for his family. Nothing brought him greater joy than spending time with those he loved.

He is survived by the love of his life of over 40 years, Luanne Maynard Cotten; his beloved daughters and their spouses, Susan (Chris) Bolton and Kelly (Drex) Gomes; grandchildren Cameron (Katelyn) Gomes, Joseph Sanford; and great-grandchild, Cam Gomes.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Dudley and Bertie Hemphill Cotten; his sisters, Helen Cotten Wells, Dorothy Cotten Latil, and Peggy Cotten Hardenburgh; his brother, Rufus Cotten; and the mother of his daughters, Jo Aline Hannie Cotten.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at The Chapel, 3355 Dalrymple Drive, on August 1. Visitation is at 10 am, with the Celebration of Life service at 11 am followed by a reception.