Leon Cottrell

Leon Cottrell, age 82, of Mount Holly, passed away after a hard fought battle with a rare form of melanoma on Thursday at John R. Williamson Hospice House in El Dorado. Born Nov. 3, 1931, he was the son of Bill and Hattie Cottrell. He graduated from Mount Holly High School and attended Southern State College in Magnolia. During his college years he met the love of his life, Lucille Thomas, at a church revival. He then enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in San Diego and assigned to the U.S.S. Agerholm where he served from 1952-1956. They married in 1954, and after completing his service years they made their home in Magnolia. He started his career working for First National Bank of Magnolia where he was a loan officer and a Vice President. He retired after 37 years of employment. He also volunteered many years with the Gideon's distributing Bibles, United Blood Services through blood drives, and as a poll worker during elections. He was a long time member of Central Baptist Church where he was a deacon, Sunday School Department Leader, and a member of the Adult 1 Men's Sunday School Class. Leon had a great passion for music. He was a talented pianist and enjoyed playing the piano and organ for the Southernaires, the Bank Notes, and several other groups. He also loved singing Christian music in a quartet with his wife, Lucille, and dear friends Ruth and Tom Brown. They sang in area nursing homes each week in Magnolia and El Dorado with their joyous music putting smiles on the faces of many patients. Most of all, Leon enjoyed playing the piano each Sunday morning for his Sunday School Department. Leon's life was an illustration of deep faith in his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, personal integrity, compassion, and the desire to do the right thing. The impact he leaves on his family and friends will not fade with his passing. He was preceded in death by his parents; older brother, Bruce Cottrell; sister-in- law, Edna Mae Cottrell; and daughter-in-law, Karen Lebo Cottrell. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Lucille Cottrell; son, Jackie Cottrell of Magnolia; daughter, Jan Sutton; and son-in-law, Greg Sutton of Mount Holly; grandchildren, Jackie Cottrell (Brenda) of Magnolia, Chris Cottrell of El Dorado, Susan Ables (Jeremy) of Camden, Kaci Cottrell of Magnolia, and Sarah Sutton of Hot Springs; great-granddaughters, Brianna Cottrell and Jadynn Cottrell of Magnolia and great-granddaughter, Elle Ables, and great grandson Dash Ables of Camden. Visitation with family and friends will be Sunday from 4-6 p.m. at Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia. Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25, 2013 at Central Baptist Church in Magnolia with Dr. Mike Seabaugh and Bro. Steve Ford officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington Memorial Cemetery in El Dorado. Pallbearers will be Jeremy Ables, Tom Brown, Charlie Cochran, Chris Cottrell, Jackie Cottrell, and Bud Horn. Honorary pallbearers will be the Adult 1 Sunday School Department at Central Baptist Church and brother-in- law, Charles Harbour. Memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church of Magnolia or Lifetouch Hospice of El Dorado. An online guestbook is available at: www.lewisfuneralhome.biz.