William J Cothern age 75 of Mound Valley passed away on January 31, 2020 at Labette Health in Parsons.

 

Honoring William’s wishes, cremation under the direction of Ford-Wulf-Bruns Chapel will take place and the family has held a memorial service to celebrate his life. To share a memory or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.fordwulfbrunschapel.com

 

William was born on April 28, 1944 in Coffeyville to Vern and Mary Ann (McNamara) Cothern. He attended school in Caney and Coffeyville. William enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served until being honorably discharged. When he returned home he worked as a laborer for various factories the latest being M & M Moulder Grandview Products. William attended Independence Community College later in life, always wanting to learn more. William married Pam Sumner and they were blessed with 2 children and then later divorced. He met Cindy Lou Byrd in 1972 and the couple was united in marriage on June 1, 1978. To this union the couple was blessed with 3 children.

 

William was a member of various local bands always playing lead guitar, music was a very strong passion and something he loved doing. He enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, shooting his rifle, get-togethers with family and friends, and gatherings of his muzzle loading association. William was a longtime member of the NRA, muzzle loading association, the Cherokee Nation, and the First Baptist Church of Mound Valley.

 

William’s memories will live on with his wife Cindy, children; Vicki Hanner, Joshua Cothern, Mark Cothern, Nicholas Cothern, and April (Cothern) Proctor, 8 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild on the way, as well as many children he considered his own even if they were born of different parents they were adopted in his heart.

 

He now rests with his parents, brother Anthony Mitchell, and his mother-in-law Ethel Byrd.