Dr. Samuel Don "Sam" Cotner

December 13, 1941 – January 20, 2011

Sam Cotner, 69, of College Station, passed away on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at AlzCare in New Braunsfels. Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, January 24, at the Aggie Field of Honor. Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday, January 23, at Hillier Funeral Home. Funeral ceremony is entrusted to Hillier Funeral Home.

Sam was born to D.L. Cotner and Noble Hollinger in McAllen, Texas. He graduated high school in 1959, and later married Ann Bennett, his high school sweetheart. They raised two children and have been blessed by their grandchildren, Sam and Sophia. Sam and Ann loved to travel and one of their favorite places was California where Kelli lived for 18 years. After retirement, Sam loved to spend time with his family, Kelli, Steven, Sonia, Sophie, Sam, Susan, and his special pal Annabelle, the golden retriever.

After completing three degrees, Bachelor of Science (1964), Master of Science (1966), and a Ph.D. (1972) from Texas A&M University it was only logical that Dr. Cotner would spend the rest of his life with TAMU. He served in various capacities within the Texas Agricultural Extension Service (Area & Sate Extension Horticultural Specialist) working with agents and growers throughout the state on vegetable production; Associate Department Head for Extension Horticulture from 1965 to 1995. In 1995, he became Head of the Department of Horticultural Sciences working with both on and off-campus faculty to enhance the infrastructure supporting teaching, research and extension programs.

After his retirement he returned to serve as a Visiting Lecturer with teaching responsibilities and development activities within the Horticulture Department. Dr. Cotner was instrumental in the development of the Ellison Endowed Chair in International Floriculture, the Barbara Bush Gardens and Arboretum, and the TAMU Horticulture Gardens.

He received many awards during his tenure with A&M such as, Superior Service Award, Deputy Chancellor's Distinguished Achievement Awards in Extension, and the Texas A&M University Former Students Faculty Distinguished Achievement Award. He authored several book on vegetable production, the most popular, "The Vegetable Book – A Texan's Guide to Gardening".
Sam touched the lives of many students and people who crossed his path with his infectious laughter and smile. He was well loved for his sense of humor, generosity and dedication to his family and career. We will miss him dearly.

Preceding him in death is his father D.L. Cotner.

His survivors include his wife of 51 years, Ann Cotner; his daughter, Kelli Cotner; his son, Steven Cotner; his step-brother, Bob Vackar; his mother 92 years of age Noble Vackar; and his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the COADC Sam Cotner Scholarship fund. Checks should be made payable to Texas A&M Foundation and mailed to 401 George Bush Drive, College Station, TX 77840-2811. Please include a note indicating that the gift is in memory of Dr. Sam D. Cotner.