More detail on this person: Colonel David Dean Cottrell, Ret. was born on June 10, 1935 in Marysville, Kansas, the son of Elmer A. Cottrell and Viola Menzel Cottrell. He passed on December 24, 2020 in Shenandoah, Texas. David was pre-deceased by Jackolyn, his loving wife of 59 years. Left to cherish his memory are his children Stephanie Wingerter, Deana Cottrell and David Trent Cottrell, their spouses, his grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and one sister. As a teen David moved to Round Rock, Texas. He graduated from Round Rock High School in 1953. He was a member of the Army ROTC. David received his BBA from the University of Texas in 1958. He attended the University of Maryland, William and Mary and the University of Houston for his graduate studies. David was Commissioned in the Army on August 30, 1957 and retired October 15,1989 at the rank of Colonel. He also retired from the Texas Department of Health on June 30, 1995, after 23 years as a Program Manager for the Tuberculosis Elimination Program. David served two tours in the Vietnam War (1965-1966 and again in 1968-1969) as a Huey helicopter pilot. He also served as a Huey pilot in Germany and was stationed in Texas, Virginia and Georgia. His numerous Medals and Awards from his Army service include: Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal/Silver Oak Leaf Cluster, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal/Silver Star and 2 Bronze Stars, Armed Forces Reserve Medal/Silver Hourglass for 20 Years of Service, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Army Meritorious Unit Citation, Vietnam Gallantry Unit Citation and Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation. David was a member of the Oak Wood Lodge No. 1444 Arabia Shrine. He was extremely generous with his time and money by actively supporting the Shriners Children's Hospital in Houston, the Food Bank in Conroe, Salvation Army, and of course all things Veteran. WWII Veterans held a special place in his heart and he accompanied several to Washington, DC on the Honor Flight. David was a distinguished veteran, loving and devoted daddy, Papa, and friend. He will be kept in our hearts forever and loved always.
This information was last updated 03/25/2021
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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