I just found out about Steve's death, saddened and was his room mate and friend in college from his college years in Connecticut in the early 70's. Can someone email me if reading this that knows his wife or kids so I can send them photos of him from that era. My mail is  pskoni@hotmail.com

Steve Cottle and I went to the same piping school at Fluor in 1976, and we became friends over Spades card games at lunch at piping school.  After I found out that Jack knew him too, we decided to invite him over with other friends, and he became a regular part of our group of friends.  

He even came over to my Granny's house and played partnership spades with my mom and Grandma and us.  He and Jack became famous as card partners when Jack bid blind low with Steve as his partner, whereupon Steve declared that HE had wanted to go low, so he went DOUBLE blind low.  They both got set, but it was hilarious, and made quite a memory.  Steve always went into every venture with such enthusiasm.

He came to the beach with us, becoming friends with more of our family, including my sister and her baby son.  He was entranced with her Josh, saying "I want one of those" (babies), and we told him he had to get a wife first.  He came with us to Spring Branch Community Church, where Joe Wall was preaching an excellent series on Bible prophecy.  Through his preaching, I became a believer, and Steve did too - we were both baptized at the same time in the Dady's swimming pool.  He met Vickie at Spring Branch, and after they were married, we became two couples who got together frequently at each other's houses for cheap entertainment playing music together and, you guessed it, playing Spades.

Life went along, we all got busier with our families, but we kept in touch.  Their oldest son Steven became friends with our son Jake.  They moved more than we did but every so often we'd get together and could still relate to each other.  Sometimes we were at the same church.  We homeschooled together.  They moved to the country and built a house, and convinced us to buy the property next door to them.  Alas, the oil and gas industry was fickle, and they had to move to Birmingham a year after we moved out to the country.  

You don't realize as newlyweds, then young adults, that friends you make at 23 can still be your good friends at 63.  What a treasure it is to have friends for 40 years.  Steve and Vickie came out to our CLG (community life group) when they moved out to Navasota, even though they didn't come to our church.  They became a part of our group that prayed and visited and sang together, and when Steve became ill, we continued to pray for them as a group.  

What a blessing it has been to watch as their kids have ministered to their parents during this difficult time.  Even people who don't know them well have talked to me about their kids, how awesome were the fundraisers and blood drives and support web pages.  All of that has been the most amazing witness of Jesus Christ in their lives.  

Steve had such a big, blustery personality, full of life and laughs - it's hard to realize he's left this earth, but what a legacy he leaves in his wonderful family.  And what a joy to know he is with his Savior and that we will see him again, in a little while.  Even in his last days, his thoughts were of his family.  He told me if nothing else, he wanted the Gospel of Jesus clearly preached at his funeral, so that all the people he cared about would know the Truth and come to have a relationship with Jesus, and that if even one person came to know Him, all this illness would have been worth it.  

When I think that his reality now is being in the presence of Jesus, how can I be sad that he is not here?

I first met Steve in 1976 when he was the new kid on my squad at Fluor.  Shortly after that, he worked with my wife and became our first real friend as a married couple.  Jobs at different companies took our paths different directions, with Steve heading for California and then Iran, but upon his return to Houston, we reconnected and Steve met and married Vicki.  Heidi and I were blessed to be able to raise our families together with Steve and Vicki during different periods of our lives and even lived next door to the Cottle family for a while. I was always amazed and impressed by his willingness to tackle anything, such as when he set out to build a house in the county for his family.  Through his encouragement, I too moved my family to the country and I am forever grateful for that nudge. Steve was a great guy, a fun person to be around and as evidenced by watching his family through this last trial, a good father and husband.  He will be missed, but I take comfort knowing that he is in the presence of our Lord and Savior.

Steve and his sense of humor, his endless energy, his music and his love for his family and for our savior will be greatly missed.

He was a good friend, though we hadn't see each other since we were young. It was a blessing to touch lives again in the brief time he had left. Go forth shining, Steve!

My last moment with Uncle Steve: As I was leaving I told him I would see him soon and gave him a kiss. He made kiss noises and I told him I loved him and he said "Love you".

Vickie, Catherine, and family,

We have been praying and will continue to pray for you in these difficult days. How grateful we are that Steve's hope rested in Jesus Christ and His righteousness.

May the Lord comfort you and allow His light to shine through as you grieve with hope.

Grace to you,
Scot and Mariah
Judah, Gideon, Naomi, Joseph, Lydia, and David

God bless your family. We loved you very much. I will always remember the day in your back yard. You played guitar with Rowan (age 8) who was playing a stick as if it were a guitar. He was with you for hours. You told me I just had to get that boy his own guitar. Thank you for encouraging him!

Steven Cottle was an exceptionally talented person in many respects. He was a REALLY good guitar player and I always enjoyed him coming by the house and talking music and listening to him tear up some of my guitars through my vintage amps. I think he enjoyed it almost as as much as I did!! I also will forever remember taking him to BC on my Salmon fishing trip...Gosh but he loved salmon and really knew how to cook it...I will also forever remember our trips to Gulf Shores and other locations for golf excursions. He was also the owner of a brindle female Bullmastiff named Ethel that was out of our foundation male Bo way back in the mid 90's. There was so much that tied us together in spirit. You could never hope to meet a more genuine person ever....totally filled with the Holy Spirit. Tonight...I'm going to move forward and attempt to put aside my grief and rejoice in the knowledge that he is in a far better place.

Dear Cottles, Steven was placed on this Earth to bring joy to many friends over the years, with his humor, musical talent and easy going nature. He then met his Life Partner in Vickie, and created a beautiful family, raising them in a loving, close, Christian manner. He lived life big, making many friends and drawing admirers as witnessed in the many, many posts of prayers and sentiment left on his prayer page. He left us too soon, but the Lord called him home, His plans greater than anything we could understand. But he gave us Steven Cottle to enrich our lives and teach us again in his passing, how special and fragile life is, how much we should embrace and savor it, and that we should love one another and count our blessings daily. May the memories of his time with you, his legacy in his lovely family, and the many friends who will remember him, comfort you as you grieve his loss, and help you to move onward through this bigger plan set for us. May God bless you and hold you close in His comfort.

We will miss you Steven Cottle. Many great stories and good times at the deer camp together. Enjoying rocking that guitar with Elvis and all the greats up there!
Big hugs and prayers for each of you that stood by your husband and father, you showed all of us the power of a loving family. That speaks volumes of Steve's character. I know he is proud and at peace. -Sipes Gang

I met Steve at work almost 25 years ago. A couple of years went by and he invited me to play golf. I had never golfed before, but started practicing. The first time on the course with Steve, he shows up with these tiger striped weightlifter pants on, long hair sticking out from his hat to match his big beard, gigantic sunglasses over the top of his regular glasses. He starts talking, never really stopping much, lights up a big cigar and says "let's go, I'm ready!". 
 Along the 3rd or 4th hole he pulls a snoopy rod and reel out of his bag and fishes as we go along the golf course pond, actually catching fish. At the point i am rolling in laughter, thinking to myself this is the greatest game ever! Steve's wit and fast tongue never stopped. He soon became what i proudly call my best friend. 
 Steve soon fashioned a crown with a golf ball on top that we over the years played for fron Florida to California, in Mexico and Europe. We had more fun playing for that goofy crown than anyone could imagine. The "Crown" was talked about, laughed about, and envied by many. The winner was the King and possessed the crown, the loser was the Prince.
 As my brother lay in his bed in his las few days, he called his family one by one to have what was to be some of the last moments to talk. When i came in to talk to him, we both looked at the crown and shared memories. I told Steve i always thought he would be here longer than me, but i told him "you son of a gun, you get to have the first real crown. You are really king before me after all this". He laughed weakely and raspily replied "nanny, nanny boo boo".
 That was my friend Steve. He was the smartest, funniest, quick witted and talented person i have known. He was a golfer, hunter, fisherman, awesome musician, singer, and most of all, a believer in Jesus Christ whose greatest pasion was that everyone he knew would meet him in heaven some day.
 I will miss our talks, shared cigar time, hunting trips and golf trips. Steve was a big example to me of living a forgiven Christian life and i look forward to seeing my brother again.

I wanted to talk with your dad but never found the right time. If you want show him what I say that's up to you but I wanted to let you and Steve and the family to know what a blessing your dad has been in such a big way. In December  my life got rattled and my relationship with the Lord took a U turn. I spent 25 years of my life doing what I wanted, being judgmental in the sense that I had it together and other people were sinners and I was fine living the way I was. God had a different plan and shook me by the neck with my marriage. I gave my life to Christ and Steve was put on my heart to pray for. I've never been more invested in prayer and thought than with Steve and I don't even know Steve that well. He was always the big scary guy with the beard. Steve has been such a blessing to me in the way that I've come to new with the Lord in my prayer life and devotion. I prayed for healing for hours a day since December and now that Steve is in his last days here I can still have hope that he will sit with the creator of the universe and worship him and play golf or whatever happens there and do it with no pain, no temptation to sin, no anger, no want. I envy that. Steve, you have touched my life and my wife's life in a way you don't know. I've become a better leader for my wife because of my devotion and urge to pray for you and meditate. I wanted to thank you for that and tell you we love you and to rest easy now because with Christ you will be one busy man.


I met Vikie in Church. They had just moved to Alabama and were unpacking in their new home in Brierfield. I offered to help unpack. As I walked into their home the most beautiful music was playing. It was a classical guitar piece and I marveled at the sound. As I walked through the empty entryway and into the dining room I found the source of the music sitting on the floor in the corner, it was Steve playing his guitar. Such a beautiful sound. Steve and Vickie were a real couple, real friends, with a real faith! We are grateful to have known them.

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. He was such a kind and funny man. I remember the time we went to the store you, me, your dad and I think my dad. We were all playing and hiding around the store when you came up to me hysterically laughing because your dad had gone up to some little girl thinking it was you and farted on her! We still laugh at that story.

Mr. Cottle, I will always remember your big beard and loud personality! Thank you for welcoming me into your home every time I came to visit Catherine. Thank you for the sweet godly young woman that you raised who I call my best friend! I will always remember playing golf with you and Cath. I look forward to the day we meet again in heaven!! Enjoy golfing and playing guitar for Jesus! Love

Your Dad is literally the first person to talk about Jesus in my presence. I have always admired your family and how he was a leader for everyone. It wasn't until about 10 years ago that I really started to understand why and how things worked in your family. Once I understood the Bible-the more I gained even more admiration for your Dad. I can honestly say that I would not know or understand Christ without his example. I know that's a lot but that's been on my heart for weeks and clearly I couldn't keep my composure to say it out loud to him.

I'm going to miss you very much. I will always remember you as a loving, kind and Godly brother-in-law. You were always there. Going to miss you at the house on all the holidays. We had great times.

Staying up all night at family camps cooking pigs. What a great guy. Miss you!

Sitting in the living room listening to you play guitar. I remember Sam and I kept thinking of songs for you to play and we finally settled on Can't Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. We were so amazed that you could just listen to the song and play it perfectly. I will miss you and your humor, Steve. Say hi to Jesus for me.

Judy and I remembered I got a "kick" out of how you shared about your new born grandson in church: "I'm getting tired of hearing about all these grandkids stories....we finally have one....how everybody is happy, happy, happy, happy, happy." It was beautifully worded. I am still hearing your voice and how excited you were. By the way...the chicken fried steak you shared with us in your home came in a close second. Love you all.

I remember how you prayed from the heart. "Thank you, Lord, for saving me." I remember your JOY for God's good gifts to you.

My absolute favorite memory shared with Steve was in August 2015 when he came to our house for band practice. He was and always will be my all time favorite guitar player. He was such a great teacher and friend.  I am so grateful to have music recorded with him at practice. He was truly a blessing.


He gave me a great excuse to go to a bar! Love to hear him play.  Loved to hear him discuss the issues of the day. His love for life, play, family and work. His Testimony! Missing Steve. When we were at Wilton I would find a song I wanted to sing at church but it had no accompaniment tape. I would ask Steve to learn the song! He was always willing!

My brother Steve came to visit me in Boston in the 80's. I was Chef at the Park Plaza Hotel. There was an invitation only for Boston Chefs meet and greet and cooking demonstration by Paul Prudhomme. I dressed Steve in one if my Sous Chef's coats and sent him on his way. I was too busy at the hotel to go. I asked him how it went and he said fine. Paul Prudhomme was staying at the hotel and I sat with him for a few minutes over dinner. He said the Sous chef I sent was the only culinary questions he got and that he was asking all the right questions
Steve sort of took over the question and answer portion. For months when I would see other chefs from Boston that would ask about my new Sous chef. (Steve) I cry every time I tell this story. Brother John

Dear Steve with your heart of gold, your rich smile, happy grin while sipping you brew and puffing a cigar sitting in the sunshine at a smoldering fire that's how I will always will remember you!!!
Rest in peace my friend I now you are up there with our heavenly Father smiling down on us.

My memories of Steve are many. He was generous and included me in Mary's Nursing school graduation. Even had me go out to eat with the family. I'll never forget feeling included
Now, something humorous, whenever a person tries to enter the car, Steve would move the car just as they were reaching!! I seem to remember Joey doing that also, father like son. 
Thanks for letting me share, I will always remember Steve's kindness

When we first put the band together back in 2003, Darryl recommended a guitar player that he had played with at a company function. We talked and I agreed to meet him to give him the charts and tunes to learn prior to our first rehearsal.
Now, we play funk and R&B mostly, although we're mainly a bunch of white boys. Still, I was kind of surprised when this wooly guy walked up and introduced himself to me. Steve was at one of his "most bearded" points at the time, and looked at first glance like he'd be more comfortable playing bluegrass. He said he didn't really read charts, but would listen to the tunes and learn the parts.
Well, when we all got together for the first rehearsal, you'd better believe Steve had the parts nailed. And when we got to the part where the low vocal harmony was needed, Steve jumped right in and sang it.
We played a fair amount over the next decade, and usually for peanuts. What little most clubs paid usually went to rent sound equipment and pay the subs I need to fill a couple of spots. Rarely do we get a wedding or corporate thing that actually pays everyone something decent. It didn't matter to Steve, and after they moved back to Houston, he flew himself in on his own dime, just because he loved to play that much.
While we mostly do R&B stuff, you could see Steve light up when we got to the occasional blues tune. That's where he really kicked it into a different gear. He could play blues with anybody out there, and take off on a riff until you told him to stop.
He was a great player, but a better man and friend. I can tell you it'll never be the same playing those tunes without him. See you soon, buddy.

Through a confluence of events I got to have dinner with Lisa last night in NYC. She shared the events at Steve's service, remarked how upbeat it was and several of the stories. I should endeavor to keep the same spirit and faith Steve exhibited even to the end!

So sorry to see Mr Steve go, but oh how he will live on in the five great children he left behind. I'm sure his teachings and his mannerisms and even his musical talent will shine forth. Which child has Steve's sense of humor? I know Mary has a sweet and gentle personality.

I had great respect for Steve as a musician. One thing I remember about him is how encouraging he was to me as I tried to play guitar with him at family camp. Also, after singing at church one Sunday, Steve just looked at me, no smile, but gave me a thumbs up. That meant more to me than all other comments I received.

Wish we could be at ya'lls dad's viewing and funeral....I'm so sorry again for your devastating loss. Mr. Cottle was so nice and so funny ; I wish I would have gotten to know him more. I am so glad I met him and Mrs. Cottle also. My husband and I are praying for you all very hard. Heaven has gained an amazing angel. I'm glad he is not in pain anymore and is with our good Lord. On a more personal note to all the Cottle family Mary Cottle Shields is a jewel and all of you guys that had anything to do with the amazing woman she has become did wonderful. I love her....she is the best friend I have ever had...Anthony and I are here for you all. Mrs. Cottle I'm especially sorry about the loss of not only your husband but best friend and it was so good meeting you....I wish you peace and love.

I knew Steve since I was 7 or 8. He was a bit older and always funny. It was my great pleasure to have reconnected with him later in life, and to find out that he, like myself, had become a Christian in the great Jesus Movement of the 70's. I remember one time I called him and he was out on a hunting trip in West Texas looking for a lost glove in the brush. He had me laughing hysterically at his predicament just as he used to do when we were kids. The last time I called him, he could not talk much. We talked of heaven, of how amazing God is, of His incredible love, of Steve's life well-lived. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him on earth, until we meet in God's Presence again. Love ya, Steve.

So very sorry to hear. Know he is with the Lord and you will see your dear Steve again one day. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Elizabeth and Carl

Some may be thinking, it will get easier as the time passes, and in some ways it will, but when someone is no longer in your life, and you miss them terribly, time is not the focus. As the hours, days, and weeks go on, please know my heart is moved to prayer for God's richest blessings in the life of the Cottle family. Love to all. Linda Caraway

Sorry for your loss (Joey and Sam).  Will light a candle for him this weekend.

There are to words that I can say that express the loss of Steve to his family. I will not even try. 
All I know is about Steve is that when I worked with him he make light of anything. He was extremely intelligent. He was a caring person. 
Even after I left BE&K Steve and stayed in touched as most as possible (considering). I consider him one of my friends, not ex co-worker. 
I also remember that Steve was good carpenter. So go that he built 2 of his homes. One in Birmingham and the other outside of Houston. Steve just wanted things perfect for his family.
I used to get a kick of how he used to hold his keyboard in lap with legs up on the desk like he was in hammock. 
My heart goes out to his family. I know that they very close and hurting right now. Only time will help.
Steve is probably upstairs a guitar jamming out but, he will always be close Vicky.

Vicky and family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Steve and our hearts and prayers are with you all. Steve touched us in his unique, faithful and wonderful style. He will always be missed. 
Chuck and Deb Spiess

To the Cottle family...  We are grieving with you - saddened by your loss (our loss too).  Steve loved the Lord and you all dearly, he loved life and was a joy to be with.  I loved laughing and playing music with him.  I believe he lived his life well, fought cancer with grace and courage and was always hopeful and optimistic...  An example to us all.  He's not hurting anymore and is in the presence of our Lord...  What a jam session it must be!

Sorry for your loss . My thoughts and prayers are with you. I worked with Steve at Mustang as well. He was a funny guy had a lot of good stories. he will be missed.

Steven was unique in the engineering & design business; he always made the work fun and one never knew what off-the-wall thing he might say or do.  I'll always envision him in coveralls with one shoulder flap down and a huge grin on his face ...I hope all can remember him that way or in some other cool way.  Yes, he will be sorely missed.

Steven Cottle Family: I was saddened to hear of Steve's passing! I worked at Mustang with Steve and always thought of him as a caring individual. He fought cancer like a tiger. I enjoyed playing golf with him at the Mustang golf outings! The Lord just decided He needed Steve closer to Him. Steve is in a better place, and we all know, we will see him in Heaven. My prayers are with all his family and loved ones. And I know that number is numerous! Praise God!
          A Friend: Jerry Harris

My condolences to your family. I hope you all find peace now.

So very sorry for your loss.  Steve will be missed by so many. Prayers for strength during this most difficult time.  
Frosty and Patti Hanley

My deepest condolences to the Cottle family.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Steve, Rest in Peace & Rise in Glory. With love & sympathy to all Steve's family with Happy Memories of his teenage years in London & at Barraclough family celebrations. Love Chris, Jenny & Brian, Cathy & Paul Barraclough & family xxx (UK & Australia)

So sorry for your loss with all of our prayers, best split second "air" guitar I have ever seen.  God has a piping job he needs help with.
Bob & BJ Aubin (Cypress, Tx.)

 It is very hard saying goodbye to you. We will miss the laughter, sharing your favorite stinky red wine by the garden as we listen to the waterfall, and enjoying your stories of your many travels. However, what we treasured the most was the light of Jesus shining so brightly through your eyes . 
So we know the goodbye is only temporary.  See you on the other side Steve. For the moment, please give a kiss to  GMJ from us. XO Deborah & Tom

Our hearts are moved with the sorrow of knowing the grief of Steve's close friends and family, yet we rejoice at the love of Christ who called him home rather than allow his suffering to continue. We pray those who grieve will do so with hope.

My heart is heavy, but my prayers are many for Steve's family and circle of friends. I pray there is comfort for you knowing Steve is not lost. You know exactly where to find him.

OBITUARY

Steven Ross Cottle Sr.

October 20, 1953 – June 30, 2016

Katy Funeral Home

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