Arthur Eugene Cotner

Arthur Eugene Cotner was born March 28, 1925 in Plattsmouth, Nebraska to Sylvester Lee & Ida Naomi (Parker) Cotner. He bravely served his country in the United States Navy during WWII, and was one of a few surviving veterans who served in the Naval Combat Demolition Unit as “frogmen” in the Battle of Normandy. This group of men were the first to touch foot on the beach of Normandy on D-Day, June 6, 1944.

“Gene” (a.k.a. "TV Gene, Poppa Smurf, and Daddy Gene") lived in Pasadena for most of his life. He and his wife moved to Buffalo in 1985 to act as caregivers to his mother-in-law. During that time, he was the owner and operator of Gene’s TV Repair in Mexia, Jewett, Fairfield and Buffalo, Texas. Gene had attended the Upper Room Church, before it was moved and now known as Celebration Church. He passed away May 23, 2018 in Fairfield, Texas at the age of 93 years.

Gene, was preceded in death by both of his parents; wife, Mary Evelyn Cotner; daughter, Patricia Lee Rahl; step-son, David Dobbs; infant grandson, Cody Lee Rahl and all of his siblings. He is survived by wife, Betty Cotner of Fairfield; son, J.D. Dobbs; daughters, Mary Yvonne Cotner, Marilyn Rohner and Helen Idlett; seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Graveside services have been scheduled for 2 PM, Friday, May 25, 2018 at the Buffalo Cemetery. Pastor Andrew Weitner will officiate the service. A brief visitation will take place from 1 P.M. to 2 P.M., Friday at the Walters’ Buffalo Funeral Home.

Arrangements are under the direction of Walters’ Buffalo Funeral Home in Buffalo, Texas.