Rev. Ronzel Lawrence Cottrell, 92, a resident of Elkins Manor for thirty years and for six months, a resident of Beverly, where he resided with his daughter, Margaret Brown, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday morning, September 24, 2010 at Valentine’s Personal Care Home at Elkins, peacefully surrounded by his family. He was born Tuesday, October 23, 1917 at Oka, in Calhoun County, a son of the late Levi Cottrell and Myra Starcher Cottrell. On March 18, 1939, he was married by Rev. J.W. Bragg to the former Irene Elizabeth Scarbro, who preceded him in death on September 17, 1994. Rev. Cottrell was the last surviving member of his immediate family having been preceded in death by five brothers, three sisters, and a granddaughter, Rebecca Sue Goertler. Left to cherish his memories are two sons, John T. Cottrell and wife, Charlotte, Indianapolis, IN and Larry M. Cottrell, Marlinton, two daughters, Rosalea Lowers and husband, Wade, Parkersburg and Margaret Brown and husband, Pastor Leon Brown, Beverly, seven grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and 2 great great grandchildren. Rev. Cottrell graduated from Ansted High School, had served in the USAR Ready Reserve: 398 Parachute Infantry 100th Division Medical Company and Communications Field Artillery. For many years, he had worked for Union Carbide, and retired from the WV Department of Corrections. He was a member of the H.W. Daniels Post #29, American Legion, and he had served as a lay speaker for many different churches in Fayette and Randolph Counties. He loved sharing his faith with others and will be greatly missed by family and friends. At Mr. Cottrell’s request, his body was cremated. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, October 2, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. at Mt.Carmel Baptist Church in Beverly. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Building Fund; P.O.Box 164; Beverly, WV 26253 or to a Christian charity of your choice.
