Edward “Ed” Carl Cottrell, 58, of Coloma, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2024, after a courageous battle with small cell lung cancer. Ed is preceded in death by the love of his life, Melody Reth; his mother, Mary (Cole) Spink; his step-father, William M. Spink; and many aunts, uncles, and grandparents.
He is survived by his father, Butch Cottrell; his children: Kendall Cottrell, Sally Cottrell, Zachery Reth, Naomi Cottrell, and Victoria Easley; his brothers, Tommy “T.Jay” (Aggie) Cottrell and Jason (Jessica) Cottrell; his sisters, Amanda (Spink) Howard, Dennise Durham and Deanne Bolton; and his lifelong friend, Deana Billington. Ed also leaves behind seven cherished grandchildren—Kylee, Caden, Levi, Zane, Kimberlee, Keira, and Klara—with two more on the way.
Ed lived most of his life in the Benton Harbor and Coloma area, where he proudly owned and operated Ed Cottrell Painting, Wallpaper and Drywall Finishing. He took great pride in his work and had many amazing relationships with all of his customers and lifelong coworkers. Ed was always eager to share memories of the work he accomplished.
A passionate lover of sound equipment, classic cars, motorcycles, and the losing Chicago Cubs. He was ecstatic when they won the World Series! However, Ed found his greatest joy in spending quality time with his children and grandchildren. Nothing made him smile and laugh quite as much as spending time with them, or boasting about their accomplishments and sharing cherished photos and stories. Family was the most important thing to him, and he embraced close friends as if they were part of the family as well.
Even though Ed is gone, he will always “Shine” in our hearts. Rest in peace, Ed. You will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, November 27th at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 10:00 A.M. at the funeral home. We hope you will join us to reminisce and honor the life of Ed. Following burial at North Shore Memory Gardens, Coloma, all are invited to the American Legion Post 105 at 1645 Paw Paw Ave., Benton Harbor. Those wishing to sign Ed’s Memory Book online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to Berrien County Cancer Service in Ed’s memory. Your support will help continue his legacy of love and kindness.
Memorial Contributions
BERRIEN COUNTY CANCER SERVICE
Service Details
Visitation
When
November 27th, 2024 10:00am – 11:00am
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph, MI 49085
Service
When
November 27th, 2024 11:00am
Where
Starks & Menchinger Chapel
Address
2650 Niles Rd.
St. Joseph , MI 49085
Interment
Where
North Shore Memory Gardens
Address
5027 M-63 North
Coloma , MI 49038