Donald Gene Cottrell, 91, Perry, passed away Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, at Stormont-Vail Health in Topeka.
Don was born April 2, 1928, at Williamstown, the son of Elmer Wilbur and Luella Bracken Cottrell. A longtime resident of the Perry area, he attended grade school at Oak Grove, a small one-room country school, and graduated from Perry Rural High School in 1946.
The day after graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Army and served in the Occupation of Japan from 1946 to 1948.
Don was a pipefitter and welder and life member of Local 763 and 441 for 65 years. He received his 65-year service award in the spring of 2019.
He worked at the new U.S. Steel plant out of Local 597 in Chicago in the 1950s, and the missile bases in Kansas during the 1960s.
Don also worked the critical path steam welds at Lawrence Energy Center during the 1970s and finished his career welding main steam at Jeffrey Energy Center units 1 and 2.
Don was a respected craftsman and loved his brothers and sisters of the United Association.
He was also a member of the Perry United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post No. 142 in Perry.
Don married the love of his life, Nova Lee Viles, on Dec. 24, 1949, in Topeka. They would have celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary this Christmas Eve.
After retirement they took on the project of saving the historical Charles Curtis House at 11th Street and Topeka Boulevard in Topeka in 1993. Curtis was the first Native American to ever reach the high office of vice president of the United States. Now known as the Charles Curtis House Museum, it is one of the historical attractions of Topeka. At the age of 80, Don replaced all of the plumbing in the house.
The Topeka Cemetery has offered honorary grave space for the Cottrell’s near the grave of Vice President Curtis where the family plans to place a memorial stone.
Mr. Cottrell is survived by his wife, Nova; one daughter, Patricia J. “Patty” Dannenberg and her husband, Rob, Perry; two sons, Donald E. “Gene” Cottrell, and James E. Cottrell, both Perry; six grandchildren, Holly Colbert, Lecompton, Dustin Cottrell, Perry, Wade Cottrell, Baldwin City, Wes Cottrell, Perry, Donnie Cottrell, Topeka, Jacob Cottrell, Norfolk, Va.; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Edith Newell, Oskaloosa, and Evelyn (Ron) Brannock, Topeka; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, infant Alfred Cottrell, James Oliver Cottrell, and Elmer Junior Cottrell, and one grandson, infant Donald E. Cottrell.
A private family service with Legion Military honors will be held at a later date.
Memorials may be made to Jefferson County Friends of Hospice or the American Legion Post No. 142 in Perry and sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana Street, Lawrence, 66044.
Nova, and family
So sorry to hear of your loss, Don was a awesome guy. May the good lord shine on you during this difficult time. Know that Sheila and I are keeping you in our prayers.
So sorry to hear of Don’s passing. My heart goes out to Nova and family. Don was a great human being and my mother still lives in the same house that Nova and Don sold my parents so many years ago. Again my condolences to the entire family.
Sorry for your loss and best wishes t you all.
Patty and family,
I heard the sad news about your father. I am very sorry for your loss.
Virginia Sayler
Our deepest sympathy for the loss of your father and our brother.
He was a pleasure to be around during our working years.
I was just thinking about Don a few days ago, wondering how he and Nova Lee were getting along. So sorry about his passing. They were such good neighbors in Jefferson County.
James, Gene and family,
Sorry about the loss of your Dad. He will be missed by all of his Brothers & Sisters at Local 441.
I’m so sad to hear of Don’s passing. He was a wonderful, loving man.
Our sincerest sympathy to all of Donald’s family and friends.
Sorry to learn about Dons passing
My condolences to the family.
So very sorry to read this…he was a wonderful man with such a big heart. Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. May your wonderful memories bring you some comfort.