Dale Ray Cottrell

July 5, 1938-Jan. 24,2025

Posted

Dale was born on Tick Ridge in Parke County; he was raised in a log cabin with no running water nor any electricity. His mom and dad, Paul and Rosalie, had four boys: Paul, Richard, Dale, and Charles. He graduated from Rockville High School and immediately began work in the press room for RR Donnelley.

Dale loved printing but loved adventure much more. He left Donnelley after 10 years and headed off to South America. He spent several years in South America teaching others how to print. Along the way he married Judy Nicholas the day after she graduated from Butler University. Two of their three children were born in South America.

Chile was always his favorite; being by himself in Santiago for almost two years made for lasting life-long friendships. He also lived and worked in Colombia and Panama. Governments were overthrown in all three countries in which he and his family lived and worked.

Dale spent several years in South America; those he taught became bosses over the years. Those trusted contacts were the basis for his business when he moved back to the United States. He continued to consult in printing in South America, Europe, and China, as well as buy and sell presses worldwide. All of these endeavors were the basis for the company CLB Development.

Dale loved farming and family most of all. Dale and his wife Judy spent the next 40 years raising their children on the farm south of town. He built the family home with help from the Southmont drafting department. He designed the house originally in Kansas City, then Brownsburg, and finally Montgomery County.

Dale was a Florida resident and had spent the last 40 years boating in southwest Florida. Starting in the early eighties, “Captain” Dale began to spend time with the Captiva Crew on Captiva Island. He and the Captiva Crew explored the Gulf waters. Some of the crew even crossed Florida by boat, into the Atlantic Ocean, on to Key West, and home again to Pine Island.

Dale is survived by his wife of 57 years. He had four children: Jeff Cottrell of Coatesville, Nicole Maxwell of Cape Coral, Florida, Erika Cottrell of Bargersville and Jason Cottrell of Crawfordsville. Dale also leaves behind many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

Funeral services are 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31 at Hunt and Son Funeral Home. Visitation is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Burial will be on the Cottrell farm.

Condolences and memories may be shared at www.huntandson.com.


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