Daniel Cotton was born March 27, 1927 in Detroit, MI to parents Daniel L. and Mildred (McDonald) Cotton. He died March 30, 2011 in Beresford, SD at the age of 84 years and three days.

Dan was raised in Beresford and graduated from Beresford High School. He married Edna Johansen February 1, 1946. His adult life was spent in the automotive business. In 1947 he started with Cotton Pontiac and Implement and in 1957 added the Chevrolet line and started Cotton Chevrolet dealership that he operated until 2002. In that time he served as past president of SD Automobile Dealers Assoc. and the SD Municipal Electric, the SD Rail Authority, the Southeastern Council of Governments and served 25 years on the Beresford City Council.

He was a dedicated public servant. He served 45 years on the Beresford Fire Dept., 30 years on the Local Economic Development Board, was on the Lewis and Clark Water Board and Construction Committee, Civil Defense Director and was past president of Beresford Lions Club.

Dan enjoyed hunting and fishing and auto racing, including working with fire crews at the Indy 500. He loved attending his grandchildrens sporting events.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Edna; children, Barry (Linda) of Beresford, Thomas (Jan) of Beresford, Jane (Irving) Smith of Buffalo, NY and Brian (Joanne) of Beresford; eleven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and sister, Evelyn Hogan of Beresford. His parents and sister, Carolyn Cotton, preceded him in death.

Funeral services for Dan will be 2PM Saturday, April 2, 2011 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in Beresford. Visitation will be 5-8PM Friday at the church with a prayer service at 7PM.