Cotton Hance

Robert Lee Hance, better known as Cotton, passed away at home in Austin, TX on September 28, 2023, after a 7 year journey with cancer. Cotton was born on March 1, 1943 to Bill & Mary Frances Hance in El Paso, TX. He was the 4th child of 8, and known to his family as “Bob.” His childhood was spent living in Texas cities that border Mexico. With his blonde hair and fair skin he acquired the nickname of “Cotton.” As a middle child in a large family, Cotton mastered the art of “flying under the radar.” Although he might have been quiet, he would also be described as responsible, dependable, independent, and industrious. He was successful in sports after hours spent practicing skills. He was successful in academics due to his love of knowledge, wisdom, and curiosity about God’s creation. Cotton’s parents loved God, scripture, and the church. He grew up surrounded by a rich heritage of teaching God’s Word. Cotton graduated from high school in Laredo, TX in 1961. He started his college experience at York College in York, NE where he would meet his future wife, Nedra Drake. In his 2 years at York, Cotton played on the basketball team, performed in theater productions, and was voted “Mr. York College.” Cotton graduated from York in the spring of 1963 & married Nedra on August 29, 1963. Cotton went on to complete his education with a B.S in Chemistry from Abilene Christian University in 1966, and a PhD in Physical Chemistry from MIT in 1970. Cotton began his career in education as a chemistry professor at Abilene Christian University, and transitioned into the semiconductor industry in 1984 at Motorola in Austin, TX. He continued working at Motorola until 2003. After leaving Motorola he spent the next few years teaching and working with a startup company out of Houston, before retiring fully into grandparenting. Cotton and Nedra were married for 60 years, have 5 children, and 19 grandchildren. Throughout their married life Cotton served in their local church. Cotton taught bible classes, hosted small groups, and served as a deacon and elder. Cotton and Nedra also spent many years serving as foster parents. Cotton loved his wife and family deeply. He was a dad who knew the answer to almost every question, and he could help you with just about anything. He later was a granddad who loved holding babies, gave his grandchildren his full attention, and could be side-tracked to play or do whatever his young grandchildren requested. “Cotton’s steadfast, quiet love was there to support us all. Thank you, dear heavenly Father!” Cotton was preceded in death by his parents Bill & Mary Frances Hance, his in-laws Harold & Cora Drake, his grandson Devon Alexander Hance, his brother Jim Hance, and sister-in-law Dee Drake. Cotton is survived by his wife Nedra Hance. Children Bryon (Denise) Hance, Kirk (Kathy) Hance, Clint (Laurel) Hance, Holly (An) Tran, and Jeremy (Erica Munoz) Hance. Grandchildren Kelsey, Blake, Evan, Garrett, Kylie, Anne, Joel, Sylvia, Joshua, Katie, James, Cora, Rebecca, Alise, Binh, Tai, Grace, and Christian. Siblings Bill (Colene) Hance, Jackie (Joe) Humphrey, Mary Delle (Paul) Stelzer, Ed (Carolyn) Hance, Betty (David) Miller, Carl (Amy) Hance, and brother-in-law Rodney Drake. And a “plethora” of nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces, and friends!

Memorial Service will be at Hope Chapel (6701 Arroyo Seco) on Thursday October 19 @10am, with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Partners International, https://partnersinternational.ca/ City School, https://cityschooltexas.org/