Love Forever, Uncle Mel! Steve & Cathy

I always enjoyed seeing Professor Cottom at the office. He was always in a good mood with nice things to say. After he retired I saw him at various social events around Manhattan and was still fun to be around and talked of doing more.

I was sorry to hear of Mel's passing. I well remember visiting with him and Mary at Farrell Library as they pursued their genealogical research. I also remember seeing them at various musical and arts events around town. Mel will be missed.

Farewell, Uncle Mel! I'll always remember your gentle good humor and strength in the face of adversity.

Uncle Mel was my mother's only sibling, and a very special person in my life. He became like a father to me when I was a child, after my mother's divorce. He helped me understand math, inspired me to share his love of photography and music, and lifted my spirits with his sense of humor. I miss him so much, but I know that he is now with the Lord, and I will see him again. Praise God.

Dear Aunt Mary, We are so sorry for your loss. I remember meeting you both, many years ago. Our deepest condolences to you. All love, Sarah-Jane, Dave, Ptolemy and Zephyr

Dear Mary and family, So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear one Mel. He was a good man and am sure you have lots of memories you made together. Our sincerest sympathy to you. May the Lord give you stength during this time and contued on. Sincerely, Edna and Deak

Dear Mary, I have many pleasant memories of our times together while living next door during my years at KSU. I especially have fond memories of our camping at Estes Park Colorado and visiting with Bob and Peg at their shop (I think it was called the Serendipity). I always appreciated how Mel brought the “working world” examples to the classroom to help us understand the theory in the text book. Also many fond memories of sharing the evenings visiting in the garden. Wow 43 years of marriage, what wonderful time you had together. Keep Care, Nyle, Jolene and Kendra Miller

Dear Mary, we are thinking of you and knowing what a hole you must feel in your heart right now with Uncle Mel gone. We pray for your strength during this hard time and celebrate his wonderful life with you. God bless. Sasha, Jimmie, and Charles

Dear Mary and Family. I was very saddened last night to have first learned of the passing of Mel. Mary, you and Mel were such a joy to talk to and interact with at the Family History Center. I will always hold those times as fond memories. Mel had a singular wit and was always fun to talk with. He will be missed. Your friend, Bob Anderson

Dear Mary, Barbara and I were sorrowful to learn of Mel's passing. We know you'll miss him very much and we'll miss his bolos at the RCHM dinners. With Best Wishes, Robin Higham

I was very sad to learn today of the death of Melvin. I would very much have liked to have met him because we shared the same great-grandfather, the Rev. Duncan Cunningham. My grandfather, George Ferguson Cunningham, was the only member of the Cunningham family not to emigrate to the United States of America in 1885. Contact with the Cunningham family in America was lost when my grandfather died in a boating accident in Canada in 1915. With the help of the internet and Kansas State University I was able to locate Melvin a few years ago and he very kindly provided me with a wealth of information about my long-lost relatives in America. I treasure this information and will pass it on to my own children. My deepest condolences to Mary. Clyde Cunningham Winchester, England

Dear Mary, Ida, and Brent, I was sadden to learn of the death of Melvin. Obviously, it was heart-breaking for all of you, but I know tha all the things you did for him were of tremdous help in his final days. Perhaps knowing that others share your grief,will be of some confort to one and all. Sincerely, Bill Pendleton

I am so glad that I got to meet Mel last summer. He seemed to me to be a very kind and gentle man. I pray that you experience God's love and peace and comfort in your loss. Cindy Pendleton

Mary --- Reading from our newspaper vacation pack, I noticed with sadness the departure of an old friend, Mel Cottom. I vividly recall with pleasure visits with Mel and his office mate, Leo Wirtz. I was a student at KSU in the very early 50's and had lab work with both. Enjoyed their direction and teaching very much. It was great surprise when I met you and Mel at the last SAR State Conference here in Topeka. Really enjoyed the visit. God Bless Martin