Thomas Cotté

Thomas (Tom) King Cotté died on January 22nd, 2024, at 9:35 pm at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrence, KS. He was 87 years old.

He is preceded in death by two of his granddaughters, Alexandra Cotté Hoisington and Tallulah Ruby Belt, who both passed away in infancy; his beautiful daughter, Lisa Kathleen Cotté Hoisington; and his beloved wife, Patsy Kaye Funck Cotté, alongside whom he will be buried in Maplewood Cemetery, Emporia, KS. Patsy and Tom were together for 57 years.

Tom was born in Huntington Park, CA, on Bastille Day (July 14th), 1936, a fitting birthday for someone so proud of his French heritage. He and his sisters, Claire and Geniece, grew up in nearby Long Beach. Tom valued and appreciated the greatness of his country and was an American patriot. Directly after high school, he proudly served in an armored reconnaissance unit in the U.S. Army based in Europe.

After completing his service, he received his bachelor's and master's degrees, and married Patsy, the love of his life, in 1963. He enjoyed a few years in law school, while working full-time, before moving to Emporia, KS with his family in 1975. Tom went on to practice real estate management (amongst other opportunities) in Los Angeles, Emporia, and other cities throughout the country. Tom was immensely proud of being ‘a property manager in Emporia, Kansas,’ which he made sure to mention several times per conversation with just about anyone.

He retired in 1998 but kept plenty busy with his many hobbies, including woodworking, learning to play the piano, reading, and writing strongly worded letters related to anything he felt passionate about. He loved traveling in his Scamp camper with Patsy, watching wrestling, drinking eggnog, parties with his family, listening to music, and taking day trips. Despite moving to Lawrence in 2013, Tom was an avid K-State fan to the end.

He is survived by two daughters, Lara Cotté (Ramsey Belt) and Sarah (Josh) Williamson; his two sisters, Claire Adalian and Geniece Cotté; and seven grandchildren: Danielle, Derek, and Ethan Hoisington; Lucie and Olive Celté; and Ella and Jack Thomas Williamson.

Tom believed his sole claim to self-satisfaction and accomplishment as a husband and father was that he revered his God, was allegiant to his country, and loved and supported his family to the end. He was a loyal, caring, and good friend to so many and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, please send any contributions to the Lawrence Public Library at 707 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044, in memory of Tom and Patsy Cotté.