Kenneth Nelson Cottle

In the early morning hours of February 7th, 2025, Kenneth Nelson Cottle flew free from the bonds of earth to join the love of his life, Billie, and his eldest son, Brian, smiling down on the rest of us as he ascended to rest in peace in heaven.

Kenneth was born in Columbia, Missouri on March 26, 1935,the son of Ernest and Ruby Cottle. An energetic and industrious young boy, he graduated from Hickman High School, having proudly played football for the Hickman Kewpies. After high school, Ken joined the Airforce and was stationed in Austin, Texas. As the mysterious ways of love and chance collided, he met Billie Arbuckle, a beautiful red-haired Austin native, and sparks flew! Ken and Billie were united in marriage on July 21, 1955 and he brought her back to Columbia, Missouri, where they made their home for the rest of their life. They welcomed three “energetic” sons over the years as they made a life together, loving family and friends and each other.

Kenneth was an intelligent, humble, and caring individual with a great sense of humor. In the eyes of his family and friends, Ken “walked on water” and would do anything for anyone. He had a love for planes that started while he worked on planes in the Air Force. Post-service, he began building and flying model airplanes, then eventually building and flying real planes – landing himself on the cover of Kit Planes magazine. Ken was happiest when he was in the air – flying for hours on end throughout mid-Missouri. If he wasn’t flying airplanes, then he was building them. He began work at BD Simon Construction Company post service and then ultimately co-owned his own construction company until retirement. In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with family, flying, traveling with Billie and friends, reading, flying, movies, and flying. He loved God, and regularly attended Olivet Christian church.

Ken is survived by his sister, Dorothy Baumgartner, his two sons: Barry Laine (Susan) Cottle and Brice Patrick (Marcia) Cottle; daughter-in-law: Amelia Miner Cottle; six adored and cherished grandchildren: Chris Cottle, Blake Cottle (Sara), Halle Cottle, Taylor Cottle, William Cottle, Katherine Cottle; and one great grandson, Bennett Cottle.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Billie Cottle, his first-born son Brian Nelson Cottle, his parents Ernest and Ruby, and his brothers Elmer and Jerre.

Visitation will take place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, from 10 AM – 11 AM at Memorial Funeral Home. A private burial will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Greater Missouri Alzheimer’s Association – Columbia Walk, Attn: Donation Processing, 11433 Olde Cabin Rd., Ste 100, St. Louis, MO 63141.