Hayden Lee Cotton

Hayden Lee Cotton, 24, of Delaware,  departed this life on Monday, May 8, 2023, at his home in Dover, Delaware.  He was born July 16, 1998, in Russellville to Kevin and Angela Cotton. Hayden was a 2016 graduate of Dardanelle High School and a Staff Sergeant in the United States Air Force. 

After graduation, Hayden enlisted and married his high school sweetheart, Ashtyn. They began their future at Dover Air Force Base in DE, where he remained until his death. 

Hayden is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Charlotte, maternal grandmother, Sandy Hadley, and cousin, Brianna Belcher.

Hayden is survived by his wife, Ashytn Cotton, and their 1-year-old twin daughters, Scarlett and Lila Claire of Delaware; Parents, Kevin and Angela Cotton of New Blaine; Brother and sister-in-law, Tylier and Marlie Cotton of Atkins; Sister and brother-in-law Natalie and Carlos AcevadoPerez of Tarpon Springs, Fl; Grandparents, Mark and Sheila Campbell of Delaware, along with six nephews, one niece, numerous aunts, cousins, and an uncle. 

As an expert crew chief, he worked as a repair and reclamation journeyman, performing heavy maintenance on the C-17 Globemaster III and the C-5M Super Galaxy’s aircraft flight control surfaces, landing gear, and brake systems.  This experience furthered his passion for working with his hands and his tenacity for solving problems. Hayden’s background was steeped in patriotism, and he proudly served like his father, brother, and sister before him. 

Hayden loved spending time with his family. His ultimate joy came from his twin girls; he loved watching them grow and explore the world around them. In his youth, he enjoyed reading and writing short stories, playing video games, and was a talented musician. In later years, Hayden dabbled in mixology, 3-D printing, and making various home brews. Hayden was an old soul, which made him a brilliant conversationalist. He notoriously hated a broken Pop-Tart, and was an expert at fetching his Granny's Diet Cokes. He was a light in a dark world, and his smile was contagious. 

Though his life on this earth was short, his impact was nothing short of profound. 

He loved fiercely, laughed as often as life would allow, and spoke with the wisdom of someone who'd lived a thousand lifetimes. Hayden’s memory will be cherished forever. 

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you take the time to hug your family and friends. Watch a sunset, or listen to the sound of the rain. Say hello to a stranger. Unplug from the chaos, and take in the beautiful things in life. Tomorrow is not promised, so make the best of today.

His Life Celebration will be 5-7pm, Thursday, May 18, 2023, at Russellville Family Funeral.  Military honors will follow the life celebration, at 7pm.

Online obituary and guestbook are available at www.russellvillefamilyfuneral.com.