MEADE - William R. "Bill"
MEADE – William Ray "Bill" Cottrell, Sr., died late Monday evening, March 29, 2010, at the MonteVista at Coronado Living Center, El Paso, Texas.

He was born November 6, 1927, at Wichita, Kansas, the son of Vernus Ray and Margaret Ann (Henson) Cottrell. As a young boy he attended school in Plains, Kansas, graduating from Plains High School in 1946. After his graduation, he attended the University of Kansas, before returning to Plains where he began his farming career, raising sorgum, wheat, and truck farming.

On September 4, 1950, he married Elsie Clark at Plains. Upon their marriage, the couple made their home north of Plains until August, 1964 when they moved to Meade. In the fall of 1952 he started his irrigation business. In 1974, he purchased farmland in Van Horn, Texas where he raised grain, sorgum, tomatoes, and truck farmed. Later in 1986, he moved to Texas where he made his home until recently, moving to Santa Teresa, New Mexico. In January, 1990, the couple divorced but remained close friends.

Bill enjoyed many things in life including aviation. He began flying in 1964. He also enjoyed fishing and spending time with his family and friends.

He is survived by:
Three sons, William R. "Bill" Cottrell, Jr. and wife Teresa of Meade, Kansas
Glenn Rex Cottrell of Wichita, Kansas
Vance R. Cottrell and wife Lisa of Van Horn, Texas
A daughter, Diana L. Cottrell of Meade, Kansas
A son-in-law, Bill Goebel of Jetmore, Kansas
Thirteen grandchildren, Travis Cottrell and wife Fae; Gary Cottrell and wife Annette; Candice Walton and husband Evan; Stephanie Saucedo and husband Mario; Stephen Cottrell; Stacie Cottrell and companion Justin Potter; Kelli Goebel; Abby Ward and husband Evan; Nicholas Goebel; Sterling Cottrell; Starvanna Cottrell; Devon Cottrell; and Calise Cottrell.
Twelve great-grandchildren
Former wife, Elsie Cottrell of Meade, Kansas
Two nephews, Mark and Kirk Cottrell
Friend and companion, Toni Triviz of Santa Teresa, New Mexico

He is preceded in death by a daughter, Susan M. Goebel on January 25, 1996; a brother, J.R. "Dick" Cottrell: a sister-in-law, Wila Cottrell; and his parents.

Vigil services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 2, 2010, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Meade, Deacon Dwain Lampe presiding. Christian Burial services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 3, 2010, at the church with Father Jimmy Barrozo presiding. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Friday with the family present from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Fidler-Orme-Bachman Mortuary, Meade. Interment will be in the Graceland Cemetery, Meade.

The family would welcome memorials to the Charity of the Donor's Choice in care of the funeral home.