Robert "Bob" Cottrell

Robert "Bob" W. Cottrell, age 75, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at the Ogallala Community Hospital. 

Bob was born January 1, 1943 in Chadron, NE to George and Amy (Stowers) Cottrell.

The family moved to Igloo, South Dakota in 1947 where his father worked as a Guard and a Body Mechanic until he was medically retired from Civil Service in 1955. They moved to Whitney, NE where Bob went to school until 8th grade. He attended High School in Chadron, where he participated in football, track and Industrial Arts, graduating in May of 1960. He then attended Chadron State College for 2 years prior to accepting a job with Lampert Lumber Company in Spearfish, South Dakota and worked as a yardman and took correspondence courses in drafting and yard management. In March of 1964 he joined the Air Force, and served as a Navigational Equipment Repairman until 1967 when he was discharged after serving a year in Thailand. Upon his return, he reenrolled back at Chadron State College and began working on his degree in Business Administration, graduating in May of 1970.  
 
Bob married Mary Sue Baquet on, August 11, 1969 in Chadron. He accepted a Hospital Administrator position in Benkelman, NE in 1970, where they had 3 children. The family moved to Ogallala in 1980 after accepting a job at the Ogallala Community Hospital. In 1987 he left the hospital and became the manager of Cornhusker Lanes Center for 3 years. He then became a sales representative for a medical supply company serving Western, NE and Eastern, Wyoming. He became a sales manager for Western Pathology Services after his contract expired. In 2000 he was employed by Kildare Lumber Company, where he worked until he retired.
His hobbies included hunting, fishing, golf, and bowling. He served as President of the Nebraska Hospital Association and Foundation. He was also President of the Benkelman Jay C's, and a member of the Ogallala Drovers and Optimist Club.
 
He is preceded in death by his parents; 1 daughter, Hilary Crawford; 3 brothers, Les, Lyle and Wayne Cottrell; and 1 sister Nora Cottrell Marchant.
 
Bob is survived by his wife; 1 son, Kelcey and spouse Sara Cottrell of Sidney, NE; 1 daughter, Courtney and spouse Jimmy Rank of Sterling, CO and 7 grandchildren.
 
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Draucker Funeral Home, Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Matt Woodward officiating. 
 
A memorial has been established for the Wounded Warrior Project in his memory. 

Online condolences may be sent by going to www.drauckerfuneralhome.com

The Celebration of Life will be live streamed at www.drauckerfuneralhome.com

Draucker Funeral Home is entrusted with arrangements.