Over the Memorial Day weekend, the $1 billion WEOKIE Credit Union in Oklahoma City announced its founding president/CEO, Marvin Cottom, passed away on May 27. He was 75.
Cottom retired in April 2007 after 37 years of service.
In 1969, Western Electric of Oklahoma asked Cottom to help form a credit union to serve the financial need of the company's employees. The next year, WEOKIE opened its doors.
Recommended For You
During Cottom's tenure, the credit union grew to more than $582 million in assets and its membership expanded to 50,079.
Throughout his distinguished career, Cottom was recognized as a pioneer in the credit union movement at the state, national and international levels.
Among some of his achievements over the years, Cottom was credited for his work toward allowing credit unions to expand beyond their original employer groups and was instrumental in implementing share drafts by gaining access to the Federal Reserve System.
He received many honors including the Distinguished Service Award for Credit Union Professionals and was inducted into the CUES Hall of Fame.
He also served as a director for the Oklahoma Credit Union League, CUNA and as secretary and first vice chair of the World Council of Credit Unions in Madison, Wis.
When Cottom retired, then Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry named April 20, 2007 "Marvin Cottom Day," recognizing his contributions to the financial services industry.
"Marvin will always be "Mr. WEOKIE," WEOKIE's President/CEO Brent Taylor said. "His legacy includes a wonderful family and thousands of members positively impacted by his efforts building a credit union dedicated to helping people. You can't say about everyone that their life's work will continue when they pass, but Marvin's will."
© 2025 ALM Global, LLC, All Rights Reserved. Request academic re-use from www.copyright.com. All other uses, submit a request to [email protected]. For more information visit Asset & Logo Licensing.
Peter Strozniak
Credit Union Times reporter covering credit union operations, fraud, M&As, leagues, business continuity, and breaking news.
