Robert Hayes Cotman 89 of Abilene passed away November 8, 2024 in Abilene, Funeral services will be held Saturday November 16, 2024 at 11am at Macedonia Baptist Church 608 N. 7th St. Abilene, TX., with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be held Friday from 5-7pm at Macedonia Baptist Church. Robert Hayes Cotman was born in Charles City, Virginia to Robert and Pauline Hayes Cotman on August 29, 1935. He attended Ruthville High School in Charles City, Virginia. He married Helen Shelby in 1960, while stationed at Whiteman AFB, MO. He Joined the USAF at the age of 18, he was an aircraft mechanic. He retired from Dyess Airforce Base in 1977, after 22 years of service. For two years he was a mechanic for Gooch Packing Company. The Colonel at the time, asked him to write the job description for his job. Robert return to work at Dyess in 1980, as a civil servant and later retired in July of 2000. Proceeded in death by his father Robert Cotman, mother Pauline Hayes Cotman, Helen Cotman a stepbrother and stepmother. Robert was a faithful member of Macedonia Baptist Church, he was a deacon from 1970-1991, he was appointed as Chairman of the Deacon Board in 1997 to 2019. Was also President of the Choir, and served as Sunday School Superintendent, Member of Brotherhood. Was apart of a men's singing group was also a teacher for Progressive West Texas District Association, and a combined class of men and women Sunday School. Survived by wife, Elberta Cork Cotman they were married on April 12, 2012. Three daughters, Toni J Cotman of Detroit, Min., Sheryl and husband Marvin Shelley of Glendale, AZ., Cynthia and husband Eric Smith Arlington, TX., Stepson Dekendrick and wife Debra Woodard Weatherford, TX. Grandchildren Daron, Daryl, Dana, Tia Hardin, Alexandra, Vaughan, Aubrey, Christian, Alyssa, Carmelo. 8 Great grandchildren, One stepbrother Tom and Stepsister Mary of Charles City, VA. And a host of relatives and friends. In lieu of the flowers and cards, thank you for your overwhelming kindness. The family would like to thank Community Care VA staff, Dr. Amy Crappy, Hendricks Hospice Staff, Visiting Angles and North Funeral Home.