Raymond Cottrell

Raymond Cottrell, 85, of Creston died Monday, October 8, 2012, at Iowa Methodist Medical Center, Des Moines, Iowa. Graveside Services will be private at Graceland Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M., Thursday evening at Pearson Family Funeral Service, 809 W. Montgomery St., Creston. Memorials may be directed to the family in Raymond’s name. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.
Raymond Leonard Cottrell, the son of Dewey Vinton and Lola Berniece (Woods) Cottrell, was born on September 9, 1927, in Osceola, Iowa. Raymond was raised on a farm near Osceola. The family moved to several farms near Diagonal, Murray and eventually moved to Creston. Raymond attended country schools in Clark and Ringgold counties.
On December 21, 1948, Raymond married Darlene Boham in Osceola, Iowa. He drove a fork lift for Des Moines Ice and Fuel for twelve years. Raymond started working for Purolator in 1962. He worked at Purolator for several years, but had to quit when he was diagnosed with cancer. Later, he earned his G.E.D. and attended Southwestern Community College and earned an Associate Degree in Mechanics. After receiving his degree, he operated an auto mechanic shop at home in his garage. Raymond worked for Blacks Transportation for several years and was a security guard for Trolli for several years prior to his retirement in 2005.
Raymond loved working on Volkswagon Beetles. He enjoyed watching baseball, especially the St. Louis Cardinals, and playing cards with family and friends.
Left to cherish Raymond’s memory is his wife, Darlene Cottrell, Creston; his children: Jack Cottrell, Ames, IA; Bob (Jan) Cottrell, Creston; Pam Conley, Clarinda, IA; Tom (Sharon) Cottrell, Creston; Kathy (Jim) Portwood, Creston; Peggy (Don) Miller, Creston; and Tabitha Cottrell (and Fiance’ Chris Morrison), Creston; Thirteen Grandchildren; Nineteen Great-Grandchildren; Two Brothers: Leland (Sandy) Cottrell, Rockford, IL; and Charles Cottrell, Rockford, IL; One Sister: Lola (Phil) Sanson, Creston; Two sisters-in-law: Wilma Cottrell, Iowa; and Jane Cottrell, Rockford, IL; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.