Clinton "Pete" Cottrell

Elder Clinton Pete Cottrell, son of Charles and Effie (Bowman) Cottrell, was born on February 25, 1945. He was baptized on August 7, 1965 in the Painter Creek district of the Old German Baptist Brethren Church, having accepted the call of the Lord Jesus. He remained faithful to his vows.

He was united in marriage with Linda M. Sink on June 26, 1965. They shared the joys and sorrows of life for over 55 years. Their first two years of marriage was spent in Lakeland, Florida in C.O. service. They lived the rest of their married life in Darke County, Ohio. This union was blessed with three boys.

Dad was called to the ministry on April 1, 1972 along with his fellow brother Charles Brumbaugh in the Painter Creek district, and ordained to the eldership on March 26, 1983. He willingly served the brotherhood in many special ways. He attempted to fulfill this calling with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and with a deep love and appreciation for the Church.

Dad started his own painting business in 1984. He enjoyed nature and all it had to offer. He loved flowers, gardening, birds, and woodworking with his hands. He enjoyed spending time in Florida in the winter with his companion and friends. Dad will long be remembered for the many hours spent on the porch swing with his family and in quiet meditation. He was a man of few words, but through his actions taught us the value of living a simple life.

Dad was diagnosed with cancer in 2005 and had many health complications in the years following. He was anointed on two separate occasions in which he received much comfort. He passed away on January 7, 2021 at home, surrounded by his family, making his sojourn here on earth 75 years, 10 months, and 13 days. Dad leaves to mourn his passing his loving companion; his children, Rob and Lisa, Rex and Tara, Ryan and Aubrey; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; a sister, Evelyn Bowman; sisters-in-law, Carol (Cottrell) and Marcus Miller, Ann and Keith Landes, Jill Sink, Helen and Gary Boothe; brother-in-law, Dale and Sharon Sink.

Preceding him in death were his parents; parents-in-law Loyd and Louise Sink; an infant sister; a brother, Linden; a sister, Lois Schaurer; brothers-in-law Ralph Schaurer, Marvin Bowman, and Dave Sink.

We trust our loss is his eternal gain.