Robert B Cottrell

Marine, husband and father, Robert Cottrell’s love of life didn’t come to an end with his death. Robert passed away on December 19th, 2022 in Houston, Texas at the age of 88 surrounded by his loving family who will perpetuate the memory of his accomplishments, wisdom and life lessons through their actions.

He is survived by his wife Doris (married 64 years), two daughters Pamela (husband Rick, daughter Vanessa and son Robert) and Lisa (daughter Amber) as well as his sister Brenda Young, and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his brother William who passed 10 days prior, Jack Cottrell and his sisters Arlene, Rosalyn Marie and Gloria Jean.

Born March 2nd, 1934, in Charleston, West Virginia to the late Thelma Synabeth Rhodes and Okey Bradford Cottrell. Robert attended South Charleston High School during which he chose to serve his country. He completed his high school degree while serving in the US Marine Corps. He attended West Virginia State College and Gulf Coast Bible College in Houston, Texas.

He joined the Navy at the end of December 1949 and transferred to serve in his beloved Marine Corps through the Korean War. After completing his commission with the Marine Corps he was honorably discharged in December of 1957. Robert was the embodiment of the saying, “Once a Marine, always a Marine”. He was always actively engaged with his veteran brothers and attended annual functions around the country.

After his military service he joined Union Carbide as a pipe fitter and then moved to the office as a draftsman and modeler. He then joined Brown & Root as a pipe designer working in the refining industry and moved to Houston. Robert was asked to join their modeling group as Supervisor to build scaled models of refineries to be used for construction and training operators. He retired from Brown & Root on Aug 1, 1996, after 21 years of service.

As a man of faith, Robert lived a life of service to GOD and country and served as Chaplain Assistant at Camp LeJeune. Robert and his wife Doris were active members of church and currently attend Christ Family Church. He served actively in every church he attended from ushering, men’s breakfast functions, cook-outs, church work days, etc.

His hobbies included hunting, fishing, cooking and woodworking. He was a lifetime member of the NRA and Texas State Rifle Association. He collected Marine curios and was fond of American history. He was often building or fixing things in his workshop. He was an excellent cook, often hosting meals for friends and family. Homemade biscuits and gravy, smothered steaks or anything from his grill were family favorites.

Robert Cottrell lived a life of service, serving his faith, serving his country, serving his family and community. He had a keen sense of humor, quick to joke and tease, inspiring smiles and laughter to those who surrounded him. He was a big man that cast a long shadow but had a gentle way about him which made you feel comfortable and at ease. He was generous and kind and he touched many lives in the pursuit of service that has left a lasting impression on those of us who had the privilege to get to know him. We would be better people and this would be a better world if we walked in his footsteps. He lived his life by the Marine motto Semper Fidelis, always faithful. He will be missed but not forgotten.

Viewing will he held on December 29th from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm. on December 29th followed by funeral services from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at:

Brookside Funeral Home - 9149 Hwy 6 North, Houston, Texas, 77095

Burial will take place at 1:45 at Houston National Cemetery - 10410 Veterans Memorial Dr, Houston, TX 77038