MEADE – David Ray "Cotton" Beaver, age 75, died Saturday afternoon, August 9, 2014, at the Lone Tree Retirement Center, Meade, Kansas.

He was born April 1, 1939, at Phillips, Texas, the son of Oscar and Florence (Isabelle) Beaver. As a young boy he attended school in Hereford, Texas, graduating from high school in Hereford. After his graduation, he joined the United States Army serving for two years. Upon his discharge he began working as a diesel mechanic for John Deere. He later attended Pittsburg State University, receiving his Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He then began his teaching career as a diesel technician for the Liberal Area Vo-Tech, teaching for twenty-two years. He was a longtime resident of Plains, Kansas, and Liberal before moving to Meade in 2007.

He was a member of the American Legion and enjoyed fishing, trap shooting, working with horses, his career, and spending time with his family and friends.

On March 28, 1959, he married Deanna Mills at Guymon, Oklahoma. She survives.

Other survivors include:
A son, Calvin Beaver of Plains, Kansas

Two daughters, Dee Overbay of rural Fowler, Kansas
Dawnon Jones Liberal, Kansas

Two sisters, Amy McFadden of Bullhead City, Arizona
Patricia Ooley of Hisperia, California

Five grandchildren, Orrin Jacob Beaver, Seth Odell Beaver, Lex Beaver, Jade Beaver, and Ethan Overbay

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Norman Lee Peters and Roy D. Beaver.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at the Plains Cemetery, Plains, Kansas. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will follow in the Plains Cemetery.

The family would welcome memorials to the Alzheimer's Association in care of the funeral home.