Kris Jeffrey Cotham, of Thayer, Missouri, passed away on October 29, 2023, at his home at the age of 61. Kris was born on March 15, 1962, in Memphis, Tennessee to Gary Cotham and Karen (Bradley) Cotham.
Kris is survived by his children, Bret (Haley) of Nelson, Missouri, Stefan (Taylor) of Thayer, Missouri, Megan Hall (Bryan) of Merrit Island, Florida; his mother, Karen Cotham of Thayer, Missouri; his brother, Greg Cotham (Caron) of Republic, Missouri; grandchildren, Liam Cotham, Luke Cotham of Nelson, Missouri, Kinsley Cotham, Karson Cotham of Thayer, Missouri; nephew, Tyler Cotham (Hillary) of Republic, Missouri; niece, Samantha (Taylor) Huff of Tulsa Oklahoma; great nephew, Leo; great niece, Ada Jo of Republic, Missouri. He is also survived by a Special Aunt, Billie Jean Blair, of Springfield, Missouri, Aunt Joyce Risner, of Thayer, Missouri, and cousin, Deniece Pierce of Mammoth Spring.
Kris was preceded in death by his father, Gary Cotham; grandparents, Almous and Gladys Cotham, and Bill and Mona Bradley.
Kris was a Thayer High School graduate with the class of 1980. He attended Harding University at Searcy, Arkansas, and Southwest Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo. He enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved fishing. He loved his 1966 Ford pickup and enjoyed truck/car shows. He also loved watching Gunsmoke on TV. Kris spent over 20 plus years working at Central Ozark Machinery in Alton, Missouri, as Quality Manager over the Inspection Department.
Kris will be remembered as a kind-hearted, compassionate person who always had a smile on his face. He had an unwavering, unshakable deep faith and loved to serve the Lord. His first priority was his service to our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Kris was senior pastor of New Life Church in Thayer, MO. He had a servant’s heart, volunteering often in and around the community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Kris was an exceptional dad to his children, investing time, instilling values and faith that shaped and molded them. He loved and enjoyed his grandchildren. He will leave behind a legacy that will never be forgotten.
With sadness in our hearts, we find comfort in knowing he’s with our Heavenly Father no longer in pain.
Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 1, 2023, 12:00p.m. until time of the service.
Interment will be on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, in Thayer Cemetery, Thayer Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
October 30, 2023 @ 2:51 pm
My condolences to the family of Kris. RIP
October 30, 2023 @ 5:08 pm
So sorry to hear this, Karen our prayers are w/ you & your family. .
October 31, 2023 @ 7:48 am
My condolences to the family.
October 31, 2023 @ 9:41 am
You touched our lives with your kindness, with your wonderful smile and your teachings from from the Bible. We’ll see again on the streets of gold.
Bob & Katherine Cicigoi
October 31, 2023 @ 7:55 pm
Karen,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
Cherish the wonderful memories you have of Kris.
October 31, 2023 @ 8:01 pm
I’ll always remember Kris as being joyful and smiling all the time, even in pain. He found that incredible and miraculous joy in Jesus. While I’m truly sad to hear of his passing, I know where he’s at, and he’s happy and free. Lots of hugs and prayers for his family!
November 1, 2023 @ 5:54 pm
Will always remember you as a wonderful Christian man. Never a complaint and always a witness for our Precious Lord. Appreciated all your kind words while working with you several years. I know you are now rejoicing in Heaven. Prayers for all your family. I had an appointment today and was not able to attend your services.
November 1, 2023 @ 7:05 pm
Karen and family:
We are so sorry for the loss of Kris. He was a wonderful young person and a wonderful man. Always enjoyed visiting with him as a young man growing up and especially as a grown man with children. Cherish the memories. Our prayers are with you all.
November 3, 2023 @ 3:58 pm
I was sadden by the news of Kris’s passing. My deepest sympathies go out to the entire Cotham family and all that knew and loved Kris. My memories of Kris stem from Highschool and his high level energy and genuine good nature. I remember the friendship he had with Mike Allen and if you saw one you saw the other. Rest in Peace Kris.