David Cothran

David Cothran, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather-to-be, and faithful follower of Jesus, passed away on May 22, 2025, at the age of 84. His was a life marked by quiet strength, deep love, love of travel, and an unwavering faith that shaped everything he did. Born at home in Corinth, Texas, on June 11, 1940, David was the son of Woodrow Wilson and Hazel Cothran. He came to faith in Jesus at an early age, and that faith became the steady foundation of his life. No matter where life took him, his trust in God remained constant, and his walk with Christ grew deeper with the years. As a child, David explored the wide and varied landscape of Texas, living in Corinth, Smithville, Texas City, Buffalo, Bryan, Round Rock, Spicewood, Marble Falls, and finally graduating from Georgetown High School. After graduation, he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1958 to 1962, continuing his travels through military service. He earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1966 and began his career at General Dynamics in Fort Worth, working on the F-111 aircraft. In 1968, he married the love of his life, Mary Elizabeth "Beth" Joyner. Together, they built a home in Euless on an oak filled cul-de sac in 1971 and started a family a few years later. They returned to this home in 2008, where she faithfully stayed by his side to fulfil his wish of living at home until he passed. David's career continued from early work on ATMs and pay-at-the-pump gas stations at Docutel, to helping develop successors to the TR-80 personal computer during his time at Tandy. As his "retirement" job, he worked at Delta Airlines- not for the paycheck, but for the travel opportunities it offered, a perfect match for his enduring desire to travel. Throughout his life, David was a faithful servant in the local church. Whether he was serving behind the scenes, offering encouragement, or lending a steady hand, he consistently pointed others toward Christ by how he lived. He read his Bible, prayed diligently, and remained faithful to his love of God to the very end. His quiet witness and enduring faith were a testimony to everyone who knew him. David is preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Hazel Cothran; his sister, Naomi Wiley; his brother, Kenneth Cothran; as well as many close aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Beth Cothran; his children and their spouses: Wilhelm and Kristin Cothran, and Natasha and Donnie Brzozowski; and his treasured grandchildren: Cody Whitfield; Harley Cruz and her husband Raul; Ryan Cothran and his fiancé Karsyn Payton; Lauren Cothran; and Hudson Cothran. He was joyfully awaiting the arrival of his first great- grandson, Raul David, who will grow up hearing stories of his great-grandfather's love, wisdom, and faith. He is also survived by brother Paul Cothran and sisters Juanita Purser and Martha Lenhar along with countless other family members who loved him. David's legacy is one of quiet strength, lifelong learning, and unwavering devotion-to his family, his work, his country, and most of all, his Savior. As he would say using his most recent German word, his life was "wunderbar", a reflection of God's faithfulness, and though he will be deeply missed, we rejoice in knowing he is now home with the Lord he loved so dearly.