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Colonel John Francis"Jack" Cotters, 77, passed away on July 3, 2002. Born April 8, 1925 in Lockport (Wright's Corners), New York, he had been an Albuquerque resident since 1974. Entering the Army Air Corps in 1943, he graduated Aviation Cadet training at Kirtland Air Force Base where he met and married his wife of 49 years, Delora Mae Miller, daughter of Albuquerque residents, Dan and Violet Neff. Col. Cotters flew B-17 Bombers with the 99th Bomb Group out of Foggia, Italy during WW II, was a member of the European Occupation Forces after the war, and was a pioneer in the computer automation of the United States Air Force in the 1960's and 70's. He retired from the US Air Force in 1974 after a distinguished 30 year military career. Col. Cotters was a member of the VFW, a Scottich Rite Mason, and a long-time active member of the Ballut Abyad Temple. An avid horseman, he served as captain of the Shrine Mounted Patrol for several terms. Col. Cotters is preceded in death by his wife, Delora Cotters and sister, Madeline Kilroy. He is survived by his sister, Olive Maracle of Tonawanda, NY; son, LCDR Jon F. Cotters and wife, Barbara of Hampton, VA; daughter, Susan L. Stoker and husband, Gerald of Edgewood, NM; daughter, Sally E. Wiser and husband, Rick of Rogers, AR; granddaughter, Ashley E. Stoker of Rincon, Puerto Rico; grandson, David A. Wiser of Austin, TX; and granddaughter, Rachel D. Wiser of Rogers, AR. In deference to the wishes of the deceased, a private ceremony was held July 8, 2002 at Vista Verde Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Crippled Children's Fund, 6600 Zuni SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108. Arrangements by Vista Verde Mortuary, Rio Rancho, 892-9920.
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