White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – Donald C. Cottrell, 86 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, at his home.  He was born on June 4, 1927, in Rowley, Iowa, the son of Clarence Lee and Lydia (Rouse) Cottrell.  He attended school in Rowley and Independence.  He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.  On August 4, 1946, he and the former Lucille Short were married in Hazleton, Iowa.  Mr. Cottrell was a mechanic at several area car dealerships.  He also had his own mechanic shop for a while.  Before retiring, he worked for a few years at the Buchanan County Court House in Independence.  He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Bechter-Boise V.F.W. Post #2440, both in Independence.

Mr. Cottrell was a life long resident of Buchanan County.  He was an excellent mechanic with the ability to take apart just about anything and put it back together better than ever.  He was a community volunteer serving at the Food Pantry and through the V.F. W.  He was a life long Chicago Cubs fan.  He was a good friend who enjoyed talking and telling stories.

Mr. Cottrell is survived by his wife of 67 years, Lucille, 1 son, Tom (Jane) Cottrell of Independence, two daughters, Cindy (Dave) Hickman of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Lori (Jeff) Ehrhardt of Osceola, Iowa, 9 grandchildren, and 8 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents and 3 sisters.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2014, at the First Presbyterian Church in Independence.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence.  Friends may call for visitation from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence where a Military Service begins at 7:00 p.m.  A Memorial Fund for the First Presbyterian Church has been established.