July 3, 1943 - February 5, 2025
Larry Earl Cottrell passed away on February 5, 2025, in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Born on July 3, 1943, in El Dorado, Arkansas, Larry lived a life marked by dedication to family, faith, and career. Larry traced his roots in Union County all the way back to 1851. His family settled in the Three Creeks community and Larry enjoyed helping his dad operate a small farm in the Three Creeks area. Larry grew up in the Southside area of El Dorado, attending Southside Elementary and El Dorado Junior High. Larry graduated from El Dorado High School in 1961 before pursuing higher education at Southern State College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1965. He later obtained a Master of Science in Business Administration from Louisiana Tech in 1972.
His professional journey began in 1965 at Lion Oil as an accounting clerk. Through hard work and perseverance, Larry rose to lead the accounting department before moving on to Cross Oil as the company Treasurer. He concluded his career at Cooper Standard, where he led the shipping department. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Larry had a lifelong passion for sports. As a youth athlete at the El Dorado Boys Club, he distinguished himself on the baseball field and was named to the Arkansas All-State Baseball Team in 1954. His love for sports continued throughout life as an avid supporter of the Arkansas Razorbacks and the El Dorado Wildcats, and he enjoyed attending games in person. Faith played a central role in Larry’s life. He was an active member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as both a Deacon and an Elder. In later years, he became involved with St. Mark’s Methodist Church, continuing his commitment to faith and community.
Larry is survived by his wife, Ann; sons Steve (Wendy) and Kevin (Sharon); step-sons Brandon Sewell (Erin) and Justin Sewell (Summer); grandchildren Alyssa, Zachary (Kacey), Katie Piefer (Jimmy), Nathan, Joseph, Jedidiah, and Juan; step-grandchildren Hayden, Halle, Clayton, and Schuler Sewell; and great-grandsons Hudson and Hayes. He was preceded in death by his first wife, high school sweetheart and mother of his children, Dianne; parents Earl and Maybelle; granddaughter Harper; and grandson John. Larry’s legacy is one of dedication—to family, faith, career, and community. His memory will live on through those who knew him best.
Funeral services in his honor will be held at 10:00 AM at St. Mark Methodist Church in El Dorado, AR Saturday, February 22, 2025, interment following at Pleasant Grove Cemetery in Three Creeks, AR. A time of visitation will be held from 9-10:00 AM Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the church.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Union County, located at 1201 N West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71730.
SERVICES
Visitation
Saturday, February 22, 2025
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
St. Mark Methodist Church
El Dorado, AR
Funeral Service
Saturday, February 22, 2025
10:00 AM
St. Mark Methodist Church
El Dorado, AR |