February 3, 1945 – May 28, 2026

John Sloan Cotner, 81, was born February 3, 1945, to Sloan and Roberta (Swan) Cotner and was preceded in death by his parents, sister Charlette (Cotner) Neal and twin brothers Jack and Jerry Cotner.

He is survived by his wife Lana Austin Cotner along with their sons John Charles Cotner, Esq. of Sonoma, CA and Edward Sloan Cotner, MD of Santa Barbara, CA. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Grace Samantha Cotner and Maizey Cotner. Loving survivors also include a sister and brother-in-law, Tana (Austin) and Roy Spiekermann, godson Josh Spiekermann and numerous nieces and nephews.

John graduated from Central High School in 1962, received a business administration degree from Southeast MO State University, a master’s in business finance from the University of Denver, as well as a PhD in finance from St Louis University.

After working in industry for ten years, he proceeded to teach international finance at Loyola University in Baltimore where he spear-headed the Executive MBA program, developing a curriculum focused on comparing emerging and established business cultures around the world.After retiring, the couple settled in Ridgway, CO where they enjoyed horseback riding, skiing and hiking. Capping off his love of travel, John proudly climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to celebrate his 75 th birthday.

A celebration of John’s life will be held later this fall in Ridgeway.