Christopher J. Cotter

Brandon accept my heartfelt condolences for the passing of your father. Your father was an outstanding man, father and great friend of mine since our days together at Barton County Community College where Chris was tagged with the nickname of AC (All Conference) by my father, Chris’s rules and officiating instructor. I just spoke with Chris less than a month ago and he was in great spirits and like always told me about what you were up to and how proud he was of you. We always reminisced about the time you were 10 and your dad and I were playing golf at Crestview when we let you drive the cart and you got it going full speed and drove it straight into the bunker. Chris was an excellent referee and umpire with a very short fuse with the coaches. He advanced to do many NCAA division 1 college baseball games including many playoff games. Chris worked on my football officiating crew where one game I had to take his flag away from him because he was calling too many penalties. I have great memories of your father and will miss him dearly. Unfortunately, I will not be home for the services but will be there with you in spirit. RIP A.C. I love you brother. My father Gary Tranbarger who was Chris’s referee instructor at Barton County said Chris was always one of his favorite students because he always came to class with a smile. He sends his heartfelt condolences as well. Mick Tranbarger

I played baseball and football with Chris in high school. He spent many hours at my house and was one of my parents favorites. His personality was unmatched. I loved playing all sports with Chris and spent many summer mornings at the Blessed Sacrament ball field with him. He was a joy to be around because of his deep love and passion for the game of baseball. You could not help but love the game when you were around Chris. He was a truly kind person and will be missed by anyone that met him. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Ed Doerr

Wow, some very sad news. It has been years since I’ve seen Chris but the great memories come flooding in as I reflect on times gone by. My condolences to Rick and all of the family. He was one of a kind, great athlete, excellent sense of humor and so much fun to just hang out with and talk about pretty much anything and everything. I loved playing basketball with Chris, even better when he was on my team. So supportive, he loved a good pass or making a steal as much as hitting a great shot. Never forget seeing what I think was his first game behind the plate at the NBC World Series. He rang up the second batter on a called third strike, and as the player complained while heading back to the dugout he threw him out of the game! The Manager did an Earl Weaver and was in Chris’s face spitting and cussing up a storm. Chris held his ground and then you could hear him say in a loud and booming voice “sorry coach, but you are gone too!!!” It was awesome! After the game he admitted it was a ball and he missed the call, but hey, the batter was complaining about balls and strikes, a no-no and Chris had to do what he had to do. Rick might remember it differently, but this is my story and I’m sticking to it! Loved them days. Rest in Peace Chris.