George “Sam” Devaun Cotton

George Davaun “Sam” Cotton, 79, of Sheridan, Wyoming, passed away at his home on August 7, 2026.

Sam was born November 19, 1946, in Sheridan to George “Jerry” and Bonnie Cotton. When Jerry first saw his newborn son, he thought the baby looked like “Mighty Sampson” From that day forward, he was known as Sam the name which nearly everyone knew and loved him by.

Growing up in Sheridan, Sam developed a lifelong love of hunting, fishing, and camping in the Bighorn Mountains. He also had an enduring interest in cars, motorcycles, and anything mechanical. Sam was happiest when he was working with his hands, whether he was repairing something, restoring a vehicle, or figuring out how to make something work. His knowledge came from years of experience, patience, and hard work.

In 1965, Sam enlisted in the United States Navy. He served until 1969 and was stationed in Da Nang, Vietnam, where he served as a firefighter and survived the 1968 Tet Offensive. His military service remained an important part of his life, and he was proud of his service to the country he loved.

While serving in the Navy, Sam married Wyla Mae Miech on October 21, 1968. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to Sheridan, where he and Wyla built their life and raised their family. They shared nearly 58 years of marriage.

Sam was a hard-working man who spent his life taking care of the people he loved. He showed that love through what he did—providing for his family, sharing what he knew, and using his hands and abilities to help wherever he could. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories made with family and friends, in his shop, around a campfire, and throughout the mountains and community he called home. Sam was very active in the Sheridan VFW post 1560 as a lifetime member, serving as Post Commander, District 2 Commander & Dept. of Wyoming Commander. Sam was also a very dedicated member of the Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club for 25 plus years.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents, George “Jerry” and Bonnie Cotton; his brother, LeRoy Cotton; and sister, April Cotton.

He is survived by his wife, Wyla Cotton; his son and daughter-in-law, Kevin and Sierra Cotton; his daughter and son-in-law, Tanna and Kenny Gliddon, sister Georgia Jean Cotton and brother John Cotton; seven grandchildren, Timothy Cotton, Tyler Cotton, Devaun Cotton, Travis Cotton, Nathan Hurlbert, Ashton Gliddon, and Gabriella Gliddon; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews that loved him dearly.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, in the Juniper Heights section of the Sheridan Municipal Cemetery.

A celebration of Sam’s life will be held immediately following the graveside service at the Sheridan VFW. Family and friends are invited to join us, share their memories and stories, and celebrate the life of a man who meant so much to so many. Online condolences may be made to www.sheridanfuneral.com. Arrangements are under the care of Sheridan Funeral Home.