Thomas L. Cottrell

On May 2, 2018, Thomas Lee Cottrell passed away peacefully in the presence of his wife and family members. A man of deep faith, he completes his journey as God has called him to be with Him.Born February 17, 1930, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was the son of the late Cecil Raymond and Emma Laura (Duperon) Cottrell.Tom married Mary Lou Stapish on October 6, 1956, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bay City and was blessed with more than 61 years of a loving commitment to one another. Surviving are six children, Gary (Mary) Cottrell, Ron (Dawn) Cottrell, Colleen Thoresen (Petro Tsarehardyski), Ken (Cindy) Cottrell, Jim Cottrell and Dennis (Debbie) Cottrell; 21 grandchildren; one brother, Cecil R. "Pete" (Leota) Cottrell and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his half-brother, Mickey Cottrell, half-sister, Margaret Burgess, sisters, Virginia Burnett and Bernadette Wachowicz, and brother, Rev. Fr. James Cottrell.
After serving in the Army from 1951-1953, during the Korean conflict, Tom enrolled at Bay City Junior College where in an accounting class he met Mary Lou, his lifelong partner. Tom spent 30 years working with Garber Buick in Bay City, where his vibrant, honest, and passionate personality consistently enabled him to earn the "Top Sales Performer" award. In 1988, Tom and Mary Lou purchased Tawas River Trailer Park, which they owned and operated for 30 years. He was very committed to the residents in the park and provided a positive experience for them.
Tom was a faithful member of Holy Trinity Church (now Corpus Christi) where he served as an usher for many decades. He created the school's athletic program and served as its Athletic Director for many years.  His years of dedicated service earned him a "Lifetime Achievement" award. Tom coached hundreds of children in both baseball and basketball, teaching them the skills of the sport and good sportsmanship.Tom loved his sports. He was an accomplished baseball and basketball player. After hanging up his cleats and sneakers, he turned to golf, which he played well into his 80's, with three hole-in-ones to his credit. He was a huge fan of the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and University of Michigan football and basketball.Tom's faith in God was incredibly strong. He was a committed follower of the teachings of the Catholic Church. He loved his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren. He was tremendously dedicated to his wife, Mary Lou.
The Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Parish-Holy Trinity Church. The celebrant will be Rev. Fr. Robert J. Kelm with the Rite of Committal following at St. Patrick's Cemetery followed by Military Honors conducted by the Bay County Veterans Council. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday evening, May 7th, 2018 at Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. The K of C Bible Presentation will take place Monday evening at 6:45 p.m. followed by the Vigil for the Deceased at 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Tom will be taken to the church on Tuesday to lie in state from 9:00 a.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the donor's choice. The wish of his family  is that you keep Tom in your prayers. Please share your thoughts and memories at the funeral home or through www.gephartfuneralhome.com