Gordon Cottrell

Gordon Francis Cottrell passed away at his home, surrounded by his family, on February 25, 2016.  He fought a noble 10 month battle against cancer, never giving up.  Gordon was the second of seven children, born on March 14, 1940 in Crandon, Wisconsin to Hannah Marie Huber Cottrell and Reginald Florian Cottrell. He served in the United States Air Force.  Upon discharge from the Air Force he attended Milwaukee Institute of Technology and worked for Russell T. Gilman as a mechanical engineer.  Gordon began his diving adventures in the Great Lakes, but soon realized his passion for treasure diving.  He met his future wife, Cheryl Ann Winegarden, on one of his many diving trips to the Florida Keys, where he eventually moved in 1974.  Gordon and Cheryl were married on June 22, 1974.  They established Cottrell Welding & Fabricating, Inc. and later, in 2013, CF Welding Supplies Inc.  Gordon was known for being a hard worker with an honest reputation.  He was extremely proud of his family; wife, Cheryl Cottrell; son, Nicholas Francis Cottrell; daughter Christine (Terry) Harrelson; son, Matthew (Callie) Cottrell; daughter, Kathleen Marie Cottrell; and grandchildren, Ty, Macey, Glade and Gordon Colt Harrelson.   In between family, work and diving, Gordon was a dedicated deacon and Sunday School Teacher at First Baptist Church of Key Largo.  Gordon will be remembered by family and countless friends for his faith, strength, character, sense of humor, giving spirit, and willingness to help others in need.  Gordon was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Terry Cottrell.  He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, four brothers and their spouses, one sister and her spouse, and one sister-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church of Key Largo on Saturday, March 5, 2016 with a visitation at 1:30 pm and a service at 2:30 pm.  In lieu of flowers, the family ask donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Key Largo Youth and Children’s Ministry, 99001 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037; Florida Baptist Childrens’ Home, P.O. Box 8190, Lakeland, FL 33802; or Mariners Hospital Oncology Center, 91500 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL 33070.