Kenneth Boyd Cottrell was a simple, quite family man of tremendous military bearing passed away following a lengthy decline from dementia on Thursday, August 30, 2018 at the age of 79.
Kenneth loved his family and his wife Gloria, whom he met at a gas station in Pensacola Florida and later married on May 1, 1970. Kenneth was soft spoken and quite around most, until he got to know you. He loved cars, especially sports cars. His appreciation transcended merely admiring them. Kenneth would drag race them, illegally. At one time he owned 2 different MG roadsters. Being a family man and needing to drive his family from place to place, he would have his three children sit on the parcel shelf behind the only two seats in the car and ride to their destination. Often the kids would unzip the rear window and hang their heads out for extra room. Kenneth only replaced the MG roadsters with a van after the kids moved out. He was a Navy man, earning the rank of Petty Officer. His expertise was in Aircraft engine maintenance, which he applied after his service with NAS from whom he retired. Kenneth was very proud of his service and had a collection of Navy hats he proudly displayed. He was a John Wayne enthusiast and had a penchant for collecting black and white movies depicting WWII, the Three Stooges and countless other classics. He was a die-hard Seminole fan whom forbid his daughter from wearing anything to do with the Gators.
Kenneth is survived by his wife of 48 years, Gloria; his Son Robert Cottrell, daughters Candace Wallace and her husband William and Carolyn Harris and her husband Mark. His memory will carry on in the hearts of his beloved grandchildren; Tabitha, Kristian, Bob, Erin, Emily, Jaclyn, Lincoln and his three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brother Richard Cottrell and his wife Sandra and his sister Carolyn Cottrell, nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his three cherished wiener dogs, Rosie, Peaches and Jake. Kenneth was predeceased by his siblings James Robert and William.
Graveside services were held at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, 1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd, San Antonio, Texas at 9:30 am on Wednesday September 12th, 2018 where he received full military honors.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Down Syndrome Association of Central Texas at www.dsact.org/donate or Autism Society of Texas at www.texasautismsociety.org
Please visit www.Harrellfuneralhomes.com to share a fond memory, photograph, or condolence with Kenneth’s family on his On-line memorial site.
Funeral assistance provided by Harrell Funeral Home 1715 Kirby Lane, Kyle, TX 78640 (512) 268-8200
