Earl Cotner

Earl Gene Cotner, 88, of Cape Girardeau died Monday, Sept. 4, 2023, at Southeast Hospital.

He was born Dec. 20, 1934, in Cape Girardeau to James Edward and Prudence McClard Cotner.

He retired as head buyer from Wetterau/Super Value, where he was employed for more than 30 years.

He was a member of the Scott City School Board and the president of the PTA, where he was a star in the annual "Follies". He was also the secretary of the Little League Baseball organization. He was an avid golfer and a member of Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson. He also pitched fast-pitch softball for 25 years, where he could throw a 98 mph pitch! He was a supporter of Southeast Missouri State University basketball and an enthusiastic St. Louis Cardinals fan. He was a member of West Side Church of God, where he was involved with various offices.

Survivors include two daughters, JoDonna (Homer) Markhart of Hillsboro, Missouri, and Susan (David) Crader of Scott City; son, Michael Cotner of Cape Girardeau; brother, Jim (Doris) Cotner of St. Charles, Missouri; seven grandchildren, Amy Kester, Sara (fiance, Jon Atwood) Kiplinger, Trae (Alysen) Cotner, Joseph (Rebekah) Cotner, Courtney (Clayton) Uptain, Danielle (Jared) Green and Joshua (Eva) Markhart; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his children's mother, Donna Glenice Cotner.

Earl was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Virgil, Thomas and Harvey Cotner; and four sisters, Evelyn Snyder, Buelah "Boots" Loucks, Mary Sander and Margaret Wilson.

Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 9, at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

Memorial service will follow at noon Saturday, Sept. 9, at the funeral home, with the Rev. Donny Ford officiating.

Memorial contributions may be given to American Cancer Society or American Diabetes Association.

Online condolences may be sent at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.