Walter David Cottrell Jr.

Walter David Cottrell Jr., 82, passed away peacefully, Sept. 15, 2021, in his home, after a brief illness under the care of his family and Stein Hospice. David was born Jan. 8, 1939, in Hickory, North Carolina. He graduated from Hickory High School in 1957 where he was voted "Most Versatile" and "All-Around Boy." He earned a bachelor of arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. David served in the United States Army from 1963 – 1966, serving in Germany. He was employed by Owens Corning in South Carolina and their Tech Center in Granville, Ohio as a product developer where he obtained many patents. He was actively involved in serving his community. He was a volunteer with hospice while living in Marion. He also volunteered at the Salvation Army several days a week for the past five years in Norwalk. In his spare time, David enjoyed baking and communicating with friends. He stayed connected with many friends throughout the world on Facebook. He made many friends with people he had never met, spreading his love all over the world. At the age of 77, for the first time, David entered the Huron County Fair, winning three blue ribbons for his wonderful baked goods. He left behind an amazing legacy of love and caring all around him. He gave selflessly to others in need and to the orphans of Ukraine. His work with veterans and people in his community was tireless. David will be remembered for his wit, wisdom, determination and fairness. David was preceded in death by his father, Walter David Cottrell, Sr. and his mother, Sue Warlick Cottrell, both of Hickory, North Carolina. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Samantha Cottrell Bussert of Norwalk and Stephen Cottrell of Marion, Ohio; stepchildren, Kenneth Sykes (Norwalk) and Cynthia (Beers) Hite, Gahanna, Ohio; grandchildren, Talon Bussert and Laila Bussert of Norwalk; sister, Dr. Martha (Cottrell) Coffield and spouse David Coffield of Williamsburg, Virginia; and sister Susan (Cottrell) Prickett of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A celebration of David's life will occur at 11 a.m. Oct. 23 at the chapel of the Salvation Army in Norwalk. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to the Salvation Army, 55 Whittlesey Ave., Norwalk, OH 44857.