Jeffrey Christopher “Jeff” Cotton

Jeffrey “Jeff” Christopher Cotton, 59, passed away suddenly in August 2026. Born March 21, 1967, in St. Louis, Missouri, Jeff grew up in Houston, Texas, and lived a life defined by
resilience, quiet strength, humor, wisdom, courage, and a strong independent spirit.

As the eldest of six siblings, Jeff helped care for his 3 brothers and two sisters from a young age. Jeff was a quiet and reserved person who could find something funny in almost any situation. He loved telling and hearing jokes, laughing at movies, television, music videos, and reminiscing about funny memories. His laugh was unmistakably unique, growing louder and louder until everyone knew Jeff was the one laughing. Jeff lived an adventurous and unconventional life, always open to new opportunities. Jeff had a way of making himself available when people needed him most. He could talk about almost anything and everything, would offer his honest advice, share his perspective, or simply listen. He was protective, thoughtful, stoic, and honest, to all those him especially as a father to his two children, Kayla and Tony. Over the years, he worked as a musician, delivery driver, semi-truck driver, spent time traveling the road, exploring Las Vegas, always finding his way back to visit his children before setting off again. He was a true free spirit who enjoyed seeing where life would take him.

Jeff was a creative spirit and natural artist from a young age, expressing himself with different forms and mediums through his life. His imagination followed him throughout his journey. Jeff’s first love was music. Music became one of the greatest ways of expressing himself and connecting with others. He loved all music, but rock was his favorite in all its forms. Jeff enjoyed listening to his favorite songs, bands, discovering new music, both local/online, and creating new music. He could easily spend countless hours playing guitar, writing lyrics, and creating music. He also played drums, harmonica, and whatever instruments caught his interest. His many jam sessions with family and friends, along with the many concerts he shared with his loved ones, were among the experiences he cherished most. Later in life Jeff would study music at the Conservatory of Recording Arts & Sciences in Tempe, AZ. He loved football, having played quarterback in high school and later sharing the love of the game with his children. He followed Houston sports, especially football, first as an Oilers fan and later as a Titans fan. He enjoyed action, thrillers, and comedy movies, always with plenty of snacks no matter if it was at home or at a theater with his family. He enjoyed cooking, especially stews, steaks, and salads, and was never shy about adding jalapeños to just about everything. He also loved games of chance especially Texas Hold’em, whether playing from the comfort of home or at the tables in Las Vegas, a place he considered a second home. He loved the outdoors, traveling, hiking, mountains, and exploring nature. He was always very interested in all things outdoor. Jeff studied Geology in Las Vegas, NV furthering his knowledge for the structure and history of mother earth. He carried a lifelong deep curiosity about the universe, the stars, and the mysteries beyond what we could see, often looking toward the night sky with wonder and curiosity.

Jeff taught those around him to be resilient, courageous, wise, and to enjoy the life they had. Though he is no longer with us in this part of life, he is not truly gone. He remains in the music he loved, the stories he told, the lessons he gave, the memories that make us laugh, and the unmistakable sound of his laugh itself. We will carry Jeff with us—in every song, every funny story, every jam session, every road traveled, every football game, every movie night, and every moment we stop to look at the stars to remember him. We miss him deeply, but we can take comfort in knowing that love does not end with goodbye. Jeff will always be a part of us, and one day, we will meet again.

He is remembered by his children Kayla Williams and Christopher “Tony” Cotton, his mother, Denise Walker, James Walker, his siblings Glenn Gonzales Robinson Jr., Sean C. Robinson Sr., Marcus Robinson, Jessica Ruiz, Renee C. Cantu, their spouses, Jeff’s nieces and nephews, friends, and loved ones whose lives he touched.

A memorial service honoring Jeff’s life will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada, in early 2027.
Details will be announced at a later date.