Carl was born January 23, 1935 in Paragould, Arkansas to Charlie and Alberta Cotton. He graduated from Bakersfield High and later completed an Auto body program at Bakersfield College. Carl enlisted in US Army at a young age. He attained the rank of sergeant, and was deployed to Germany for 34 months during the Korean War. Carl was very proud to have served his country honorably. After discharge from the army, he moved with his family to California where he met the love of his life Betty. Carl worked as an auto body repair owner, as well as, being employed by Tosco and Total Corporation. Auto body repair and painting was his real passion. He was a member of New Well Worship Center where he truly loved to serve the Lord. In his personal time he was quite active; he held membership in the following: Teamsters retirees of Kern County, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1468, Korean War Veterans Association chapter 211, and the Sons in retirement (SIRS) chapter 178. Carl liked to hunt and fish as well as play Dominos and Keno with family and his friends. His greatest love was spending time with his family; he truly was a great husband, father and grandfather, and he loved to be active and attend all of his children and grandchildren's sports events/activities. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Betty (Reed) Cotton; children, Ronny (Tamara) Cotton, Kim (Brent) Hamman, Rhonda (Rick) Woody; grandchildren, Chad Cotton, Dusty Cotton, Sarah Parker, Brittany Neal, Brooke Hill, Mitchell Mills, Justin Mills, and Ashley Mills; along with 21 great-grand children, and his brothers, Earl (Cleona) Cotton and Ronnie Cotton. Carl was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Alberta Cotton. Rest with the Lord. We will all miss you. Carl died at his home in Bakersfield on August 26, 2015. A viewing will be held at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter this Friday, August 28, from 4-8pm. Graveside services will be held at Shafter Memorial Park on Saturday August 29, at 10am. Our family would like to extend our sincere thanks to the caring staff at Hoffman Hospice.