Dashawn Cotton

On a winter day in February in Toledo Ohio, the world was gifted a force of nature named Dashawn Cotton-known by all who loved him as “Fat Fat.” Born on February 1, 2006, Dashawn didn’t just enter the world- he burst onto the scene with charisma, mischief in his smile, and a heart too big for the world. On July 16, 2025, that radiant light was called home far too soon, but his warmth continues to glow in the hearts of everyone he touched.

Dashawn was the definition of one of a kind. Goofy, fearless, and unapologetically himself, he lived loud and loved hard. His laughter was contagious, his presence magnetic. Whether you met him once or grew up by his side, you felt Dashawn’s energy –bold, loyal, and always down for a good time.

He was a storyteller through rhythm, pouring his soul into music and rap, where he found his truest voice. Dashawn knew how to live. Every day was an adventure, every moment a memory in the making.

But of all the roles Dashawn played in life-friend, son, brother –it was “Dad” that meant the most. His pride and joy, Dashawn Cotton Jr., was his world. He parented with a love that was fierce and tender, always striving to be better, to do better, for his son.

He leaves behind a village that loved him deeply: his devoted mother, Myteeha Harkins, his father, AJ Cotton; his brother and life-long partner in crime, Dajuan Cotton; his ever-loving grand-mother, Vonshea Koonce, grand-father Tyrone (Tina) Harkins; and incredible great-grandmothers, Ether Koonce and Gloria Harkins. His grandfather, Daris Glen Childress. His special aunts Mariah Pierce, and Shanekia Cotton, along with a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and friends- each one carrying a memory, a laugh, a lesson, or a late-night conversation they’ll never forget.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandfather, Milton Koonce Jr., great-grandmother Lou (Will) McClain, grandmother Pamela Cotton, aunt Barbara Koonce, and DeShyren Koonce.

To know Dashawn was to love him. He made this life colorful, chaotic, beautiful. And though his chapter ended too soon, the story he wrote will echo through the lives of those he left behind.

A celebration of Dashawn’s life will be held on Monday, July 28, 2025, with visitation from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, followed by funeral services at 4:00 pm all at Newcomer Funeral Home- Southwest Chapel, 4762 Heatherdowns Blvd. Toledo, OH 3614.

Come with your stories, your tears, your laughter, and your love. Let’s honor Dashawn with the joy and energy he brought into every room he entered. Rest easy, Fat Fat. You were one of one.