Irwin Wayne Armstrong

Irwin Wayne Armstrong 95, also known by his friends and family as Cotton of Kingston, Okla. passed away Friday, January 27, 2023, at the Alliance Hospital in Durant, Okla. Cotton was born in Shay, Okla. on October 13, 1927, to the late Cary S. Armstrong and Lela Nance Armstrong. He attended Shay and Kingston High School. Cotton was a member of the Kingston Alumni Association.

He moved with his parents to the Oklahoma panhandle where he farmed and owned and operated a service station. Cotton was drafted into the United State Army at Amarillo, Texas in February of 1951 serving at Fort Jackson, SC, Camp Stewart, Ga., Fort Bliss and Fort Hood, Texas, Camp Atterbury, Ind., Camp Joyce Kilmer, NJ and in Ludwigsburg, Germany being discharged at Camp Chaffee, Ark. in 1953. After being discharged he worked at various jobs then attended college at Oklahoma State University and graduated from Panhandle State University with Business Degree.

Cotton worked in the oil and gas exploration industry 20 years in Albuquerque, NM and 14 years in Amarillo, Texas. He married Lorraine “Lori” Heiling in Las Vegas, Nev. and after early retirement they moved to Shay where he helped organize and incorporate the Shay Cemetery. He and his nephew Bill donated land for the Shay Community Center. Cotton was active in his community, serving on the boards of Shay Community Center, Shay Cemetery, Buncombe Creek Fire Department and the Marshall County Excise and Equalization Board. Cotton also served several years on the budget and finance committee of Texoma Southern Baptist church of which he was a member. Cotton and Lori visited all 50 U. S. States and several foreign countries. He enjoyed being with relatives and enjoyed card playing.

Cotton was preceded in death by his parents, brothers; Bill, Clayton, Keith and Ray and sister; Imogene Bearden Scott.

Cotton is survived by his wife, Lori Armstrong of Shay, Okla.; brother, Lelan Armstsrong and wife Shirley of Casper, Wyo.; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation was held Monday, January 30, 2023 at Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a family hour from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Funeral service was Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Watts Memorial Chapel in Madill, Okla. It was officiated by Joe Patterson. Interment was at the Shay Cemetery in Shay, Okla. Services were under the direction of Watts Funeral Home in Madill, Okla. Condolences may be sent to wattsfuneralhome.com.

CasketBearerswereJohnArmstrong,MarlonArmstrong, Donnie Gray, David Greer, Ron McKim, and David Walton.

Honorary Bearers were Jerry Farley, Bob West, Harold Wilcox, and Cris Wooden.