Gary Cotterill

Gary W. Cotterill, 80, of rural Cherryvale, Kansas went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday, December 8th, 2020. He was born in McPherson, Kansas to Cecil and Violet (Danielson) Cotterill. His early years were spent having fun playing baseball when his family lived in Pittsburg, Kansas. He and his brother, David, both enjoyed baseball. Later in youth, his parents, brother David and sister Evelyn lived south of Independence on some acreage with some livestock. This helped spark his passion for agriculture. Gary graduated from Independence High School and married his high school sweetheart, Marie Wolf. They resided north of Independence before moving west of Cherryvale for the remainder of their marriage and raised their son, Paul, and twins Rex and Regina.
Gary led a very full and active life raising his family and working. His career as an agricultural banker spanned 37 years beginning with Peoples State Bank, First State Bank, then Community National Bank. He was President of First State Bank for eleven years. He thoroughly enjoyed the community of people, farm visits, and helping customers with their banking needs. From the time he graduated high school he was involved in production agriculture with cattle and sheep. He would shear sheep in the summers and was a wool handler for Mid-States Wool Growers Association for many years. He was proud to have served a career in the Army National Guard followed by the Army Reserves from 1962 to his official retirement in the year 2000. He was a licensed pilot and enjoyed having his plane for a few years. Even though he was involved in many things he loved God and his family more than anything. He and Marie had the privilege of going on three Nazarene mission trips to Ecuador to help build a church. They enjoyed visiting several other countries with the local KARL(AG) group as well. Marie was the love of his life and they shared 61 years of marriage. Gary loved to laugh and joke and spend time with his grandchildren, Meredith, Tyler, and Jacob. He was very proud of them and looked forward to spending time with them and sharing his wisdom.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, He is survived by his wife, Marie, of the home, brother David Cotterill and wife Carolyn of Hong Kong, China, sister Evelyn Kennedy and husband Howard of Bartlesville, OK, son Dr. Paul Cotterill of Cherryvale, son Rex Cotterill and wife Morgan Smalley-Cotterill of Cherryvale, daughter Regina Proctor and husband Alan of Owasso, OK, grandchildren Tyler Cotterill, Meredith Proctor, and Jacob Proctor, various nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Friday, December 18th, 12 pm-7 pm with family from 5pm-7pm (masks are required) at Webb & Rodrick Chapel & Crematory in Independence, KS. A private family graveside service will be Saturday December 19, 2020 at 2:00pm at Mount Hope Cemetery, Independence, Kansas.
Memorials may be left in his memory at Webb and Rodrick Funeral Home to Church of The Nazarene, Neodesha, KS. On-Line condolences can be left to the family by going to www.webbrodrickfuneralhome.com