Lou Dean Cotton, 92 years old, of Arlington, Texas, formerly of Pampa, heard Jesus tenderly call her name and took His hand into eternity on Sunday evening, October 25, 2026, while surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Emory, Raines County, Texas on February 17, 1934, to Noble Charles Cotton and Mattie Pearl Gray.
She graduated from Lefors High School in 1951 as Salutatorian of her class then attended Texas Wesleyan College, Fort Worth, Texas for 3 1/3 years where she was a member of Honors Colloquium. On September 4, 1954, she married Eddie Dean Franklin and they had three children, Travis, Chuck and Michelle.
Lou Dean was devoted to her ministry as she was a member of the Ministers’ Wives Club, the Central Texas Conference, where she held both District and Conference Offices and she was also a member of the United Methodist Women where she held local, District and Conference positions. Lou Dean was also employed as a Deputy in the Gray County Clerk’s Office for 10 years and Briarwood Church as the secretary for 15. She retired at the age of 72 in 2006. When not working or volunteering her time, she enjoyed reading, crocheting, writing poetry for Focus Magazine, doing yardwork, an avid worker of crossword puzzles and helping with her grandchildren.
She was reunited in Heaven by her parents, Noble and Mattie; her beloved husband, Dr. Eddie Dean Franklin; two sisters, Peggy Martin and Sandra Shouse; as well as their son, Rev. Travis Franklin and his daughter, Brittney Franklin.
Those remaining to cherish her memories and dedication are her two children, Chuck Franklin and wife Tammy of Arlington, TX and Michelle Givens and husband Monty of Snyder, TX; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Hostetler, Josh Franklin, Kristyn Franklin, Michael Franklin, Erin Franklin, Jerrod Busse, Taylor Busse, and Jeremy Busse. She also leaves 12 great-grandchildren, Kaden Hostetler, Cooper Hostetler, Charlie Franklin, Billie Franklin, Bowen Formby, Hadley Busse, Gunner Busse, Braylee Busse, Elliott Busse, Hayes Busse, Corinne Busse, and Mason Franklin.
Should donations be preferred, the family suggests they be made to Briarwood Church, 1800 W Harvester Ave, Pampa, TX 79065 in honor of Lou Dean.
The family will receive guests on Monday, November 2nd from 6-8 in the Serenity Chapel of Winegeart Funeral Home.
Celebration of Life Funeral Services are scheduled for 11:00 am, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at Briarwood Church with Ricky Martin officiating assisted by Rev. Vondel Stevens of St. Paul UMC and Pastor Jamisen Hancock of Briarwood. Burial will immediately follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family has entrusted the care of their loved one to Winegeart Funeral Home.
To share words of love and comfort for the family in Lou Dean’s Book of Memories, please visit www.winegeartfuneral.com.
