1928 ~ 2003
Beloved Father
and Grandfather
Gene Dee Cottrell, devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away peacefully on July 8th, 2003 in Salt Lake City, Utah while sitting in his favorite lawn chair.
He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah on November 15, 1928 to William R. and Beatrice A. Cottrell of Salt Lake City. He married LaNola Harper on May 15, 1951 in the Salt Lake Temple and they enjoyed 52 wonderful years together.
Gene was raised in Sugar House and graduated from South High School. He loved music and was active in the school choir. Before getting married he worked at the Hotel Utah and Bennett Glass and Paint. After marriage he worked a short time for his brother Glen Cottrell in the construction business and then at Tooele Army Depot where he retired after 41
years of steady service. For 22 years, Gene served our country in the U.S. Army Reserves. One of his greatest joys was serving as a crossing guard for Eastwood Elementary School for six years until health issues forced his retirement. Come rain or shine, Gene stood at his crosswalk until all "his" children were accounted for.
He was a lifelong, faithful member of the LDS Church. Throughout his years he served as an Assistant Scoutmaster and High Priest's Quorum Secretary. He supported his children and grandchildren on their full-time missions and in their church service.
He enjoyed gardening, reading, raising pigeons, and most of all being with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was well known for his unique sense of humor and his colorful storytelling.
He is survived by his wife, LaNola H. Cottrell; two sons, Craig Dee Cottrell (Rebecca) and Earl David Cottrell (Vilma); two daughters, Lorna Jean Cannon (Kevin) and Linda Jean Killpack (Steven); 12 grandchildren, Jennifer Killpack, Amanda Patten (Clark), Loren Cannon, Randall Killpack, Matthew Cottrell, Michael Killpack, Jessica Cannon, Alexander Cannon, Stephanie Killpack, Christina Cottrell, Nathan Cottrell and Emily Cottrell; and one great-grandchild, Brighton Patten. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.
A memorial service will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, on Saturday, July 12, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. Friends and family may call on Friday, July 11th from 6-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. Interment, Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.