Duane A. ‘Cotton’ Elston

A Celebration of Life visitation for Duane A. ‘Cotton’ Elston, 83, Lawrence, will be from 6:30-8:00 pm Wednesday at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home & Crematory.  Private family inurnment will be held at Oak Hill Cemetery. Mr. Elston died Saturday, May 17, 2014, at Emeritus Senior Living, Overland Park, Kan.

He was born Nov. 15, 1930, in Lawrence, the son of Harvey and Emma Brooks Elston, and attended schools in Lawrence.

Cotton worked for B.A. Green Construction in Lawrence, retiring as a construction superintendent after 50 years of service, constructing many building in Lawrence, on the Kansas University campus, and the steeple on the depot in North Lawrence.  He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 852, the Eagles Lodge Aerie #409, and the Carpenters and Joiners Union.  He enjoyed woodworking, tube fishing, hunting, and walking his dog.

He married Mary Jo Brittain on Jan. 17, 1950, in Lawrence.  She preceded him in death on Jan. 8, 2012.  Also preceding him were a son, Rick, three brothers, Donald, Otis, and Gerald, and a sister, Evelyn Gentry.  Survivors include two sons, Larry, Carthage, Mo., and Scott, Lawrence; two daughters, Jo Lee Erskin, Eudora, and Michelle Elston, Tonganoxie; ten grandchildren, Stefan, Shaun, Nathan, and Christopher Elston, Tiffany Medina, Jeremy, Misty, and Justin Nichols, and Jasen and Kayla Hadl; 19 great grandchildren, Courtney, Kyler, Cameron, Jackson, Maya, Ethan, Aiden, Seth, Brooklynne, Cody, Caden, Devon, Shauna, Gracelynne, Braden, Chasity, Jaden, Zarius, and Justin Jr.; three step great grandchildren, Mason, Riley, and Bella; and adopted granddaughter, Shelley Armstrong.

The family suggests memorials to the VFW, or the Lawrence Humane Society, in care of the funeral home, 601 Indiana St., Lawrence, KS, 66044.