John Kern Cotter

Dr. John Kern Cotter of Shreveport passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, July 24, 2022. He was born in Shreveport on September 10, 1954, to Dr. James Wiley Cotter, Sr. and Dolores Gremillion Cotter and resided here for most of his life. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Dr. James Wiley Cotter, Jr. and his sisters, Kimberly Cotter Poindexter and Mary Brandon Cotter Cady. He is survived by his son, Harland John Cotter and his grandchildren, Gabrielle Evelynn and Gunner Wayne, all of Lafayette, his sisters, Karen Cotter Moody (Hamp) of Dallas, Lauren Cotter Wilson (Grady) of Shreveport and Michaelanne Cotter Dykes (Randy) of Dallas, and his brother, Patrick Cornelius Cotter (Aimee) of Lafayette. In addition, he is survived by his sister-in-law, Roslyn Cotter Mee (Tom), and his brother-in-law, Robert Poindexter, all of Shreveport, his son's mother, Debra Crowe of Lafayette, and many nieces and nephews.
John was a proud graduate of Jesuit High School in Shreveport in 1972, LSU-Baton Rouge in 1976 and LSU Medical School in Shreveport in 1980. He completed his residency in ER Medicine in 1982 and went into a lengthy practice at HCA Plaza Medical Center in Ft. Worth as an ER physician.
John was an enormously gifted individual who excelled academically, athletically and creatively. He was a highly skilled physician, a championship tennis player and coach, a gourmet chef and a talented lamp designer. The question was often asked, "Is there anything that John couldn't do well?" Even more importantly, he was beloved by many because of his wonderful heart for people and the way he invested and believed in them. He naturally drew folks to himself and was the kind of man that one wanted to have as a good friend. John especially loved his family and so often went the extra mile to offer assistance, encouragement and support. In the entire Cotter extended family, there is no one whose attention was more greatly desired than his.
In the past few years, John was greatly inspired spiritually by his dear friends, Jean Hundley and Father Charles Glorioso. Their strong, genuine faith drew him back to the Catholic church. His family and friends witnessed a true resurgence in his faith as evidenced by him regularly attending Mass and his consistent interest and service to individuals in need.
A memorial service honoring John Cotter will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Shreveport on Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 10:30 AM. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." There are many who truly loved John and valued their relationship with him. He will be sorely missed!