Charles Louis Cottingham

Dr. Charles Louis Cottingham, 92, of Brenham, Texas, passed away peacefully on May 22, 2026.

Charles was born on June 14, 1933, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Charles and Nettie (Hatten) Cottingham. He attended Central High School in Jackson, where he met the love of his life, Sudie Lee "Sue" Bullock. The couple married on October 8, 1955, beginning a devoted marriage that lasted 67 years until Sue's passing.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1955 to 1958. Following his military service, he pursued higher education with great dedication. He earned both his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Mississippi in 1960 and later completed his Ph.D. in Chemistry from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas, in 1970.

Dr. Cottingham devoted his professional life to education and academic leadership. He began his teaching career at Lowell Junior High School in San Antonio, Texas, from 1958 to 1960, followed by Thomas Jefferson High School from 1960 to 1965. He then served as a professor at San Antonio College from 1965 to 1967. In 1967, he joined Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, where he served for more than 26 years as a Chemistry Professor, Division Chair, College Dean, and Vice President. He retired on his 60th birthday, June 14, 1993.

Charles was deeply committed to his faith and community. He was an active member and Deacon of First Baptist Church of Brenham for many years. He was also a devoted member of Brenham Masonic Graham Lodge #20 for over 55 years. During his Masonic service, he held numerous offices including Senior Deacon, Junior Warden, Senior Warden, Worshipful Master, Secretary, and Deputy District Grand Master (DDGM) of District #44.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sudie Lee "Sue" Bullock Cottingham; his parents, Charles and Nettie Cottingham; his brother, Gerald Cottingham; and his granddaughter, Elizabeth Cottingham.

Charles is survived by his brother, Michael P. Cottingham and wife Elizabeth; his children, Michael Cottingham and wife Kerry, Patrick Cottingham and wife Katie, Robert Cottingham and wife Mary, and Susan Cottingham Stone; his grandchildren, Jennifer, Christopher, Mary, Kathryn, Michael, Samuel, James, Aaron, Zachary, Kristi, and Sarah; and his great-grandchildren, Greyson, Harrison, Tristian, Charlotte, Trevor, Michael, Justin, and Lydia.

A visitation for Dr. Cottingham will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, 1306 West Main Street, Brenham, Texas. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Memorial Oaks Chapel, with burial to follow at Prairie Lea Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be provided by Graham Lodge #20. Honorary pallbearers will be his children.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Cottingham's honor to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at https://www.cff.org.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the care team of Brazos Valley Hospice for the exceptional care provided to Charles during his final weeks.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Oaks Chapel of Brenham. To post a tribute to the family, please visit www.memorialoakschapel.com.