David G. Cottle

March 21, 1938- April 18, 2024

Schoolcraft, MI

David George Cottle, passed away on April 18, 2024, in Schoolcraft, Michigan. He was born on March 21, 1938 in Cheyenne, Wyoming to his loving parents Roger and Agnes Cottle.
  
 Dave’s life was marked by hard work and dedication. At the age of 15, Dave graduated from Cheyenne High School (Wyoming). He went on to receive both his Bachelor’s degree in Physics and Master’s degree in Planetary Space Science (UCLA). Dave served his country in the United States Air Force at Lowry AFB in Colorado.
  
 Following his time in the military, David married Charlotte (Bonnie) Lee Black  
 on April 5, 1957, in Cheyenne.  When reflecting on his wedding day, David quite often mentioned that there was a bad snowstorm and instead of throwing rice at the happy couple, attendees threw snowballs. Both David and Charlotte had known each other since they were kids.  They had been married for 48 and a half years, when Bonnie passed away.

David and Bonnie eventually settled in Saugas, California.  David went on to work for Weber Aircraft in Burbank.  He was involved in both the Gemini and Apollo Space Programs. He and his team worked on the seats that the astronauts sat in.  This included measuring and custom fitting the astronauts for their seats.   During this time, David had the privilege of meeting Neil Armstrong, Gus Grissom, James McDivitt, Wally Schirra, Tom Stafford, John Young, Jim Lovell, and Frank Borman.

David and Bonnie moved to Schoolcraft, Michigan in 1977 for a job with National Water Lift in Kalamazoo.  David took on the role of Senior Project Engineer. During this time, David’s work involved projects for F15, F16, and F18 fighter aircraft jets. In 2000, David retired from the industry.

David and Bonnie became members of St. Patrick’s Anglican Catholic Church in Comstock, Michigan.  During their time in the church, Bonnie was diagnosed with cancer.  Their remaining time together led to David wanting to give back to God.   He became an ordained Father of the Church. He happily and proudly served his congregation from 2004 until 2023, when he retired.

David was preceded in death by his loving wife, Bonnie, son, Douglas Cottle, beloved nephew Chris Cottle, his brothers Donald Cottle and Robert Cottle, and his parents.

David is survived by his children Cynthia (Cinder) Cottle, Thomas Cottle, and Brandy Cottle.  His grandchildren Cody Cottle, Autumn (Joe Allen), Damon Cottle, and Dustin Cottle.  And his great grand children, Oakley, Damon Jr, Michael, and Allie.

A visitation for David will take place on Thursday, April 25. from 11am – noon at Avink McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 5975 Lover’s Lane, Portage, MI 49002 269 344-5600.  A committal service will follow at 1:00 at Fort Custer National Cemetery. Please arrive at the cemetery by 12:45. 

Memorial contributions can be made to the Comstock Community Center; PO Box 34, Comstock, MI 49041.

While visiting David’s memory page at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guest book or leave a memory for the family.