Donald L. Cota

Donald L. Cota, 88, of Peoria, formerly of Knoxville, died at 1:55 a.m. on December 15, 2006 at home in Peoria.   Don was born on August 3, 1918 in Walcott, IN the son of Lewis Jesse and Rose Talley Cota.  He married Helen L. Croffoot on October 13, 1949 in St. Augustine.  Surviving Don are his wife Helen of Peoria, one daughter Lori Jo (Gordon) Weech of Princeville, one brother James Cota of North Carolina, one sister Evelyn McDaniels of Indianapolis, 2 grandchildren Timothy Weech of Peoria and Carrie Weech Gaumer of Washington, IL, and 4 great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by one son Don V. on November 19, 1978, one brother George, and one sister Florence Beeler.   Don graduated from Purdue University in 1947.  He served in the US Coast Guard for four years.  He was a registered Pharmacist and Sales Representative for Parke – Davis Pharmaceuticals for 33 years, retiring in February 1983.  After his retirement he worked part time as a pharmacist in the local area for several years.  Don was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church, Father J.O. Hunt Knights of Columbus Council 556, Knoxville Kiwanis, and Western Illinois Pharmaceutical Association.  Mass of Christian burial will be at 11 a.m. on Monday December 18, 2006 at Corpus Christi Church, with the Reverend William Miller, officiating.  Visitation will be from 2 – 5 p.m. on Sunday December 17, 2006 at Watson Funeral Home, with the rosary being prayed at 4:30 p.m.  Burial will be in Knoxville Cemetery, Knoxville.  Memorials may be made to Costa Catholic Academy, Corpus Christi Church, or the Galesburg Rescue Mission.