Command Sergeant Major Brent Hilton Cottrell, USA – RETIRED, 70, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to many, passed away on October 7, 2018, after a short illness in Sarasota, FL. Born December 21, 1947, to CSM Gilbert H. and N. June Cottrell of Rolla, Missouri.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Peg (Margaret); his daughter Christine Lynn Cottrell; grandsons Eli and Michael Arriola of Bellevue, Nebraska; his brother, Colonel Scott C. Cottrell, USMC - RETIRED and his wife Kyle, Chesapeake, VA; sister, Margaret Lee Cottrell, Las Cruces, New Mexico.
Raised in a military family, he lived in several locations within the states as well as Germany, where he graduated from Ludwigsburg American High School. After all these years, he still has cherished friendships and keeps in touch with his friends from high school.
CSM Cottrell retired after 31 years in the US Army, having served in Vietnam, Panama, First Gulf War, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Germany, Korea and many other assignments overseas and stateside. CSM Cottrell retired January 1, 1998 from his last assignment at Ft Campbell, KY and moved to Alexandria, VA.
After his military retirement, he worked as a training instructor with contracts to include US Customs and Border Patrol. He retired from Kiscal, LLC in 2012 and he and his wife, Peg, moved to Sarasota, Florida that year.
During his time in Florida, he has made many friends and has enjoyed playing golf and pickleball as often as possible. He volunteered at Bobby Jones Public Golf Course as a Ranger the past several years prior to his illness.
We will miss him.
Viewing and services will take place on Monday, October 15, 2018 at Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34232. Viewing from 10am until 12pm, with light refreshments. Following a service at 12 noon, a 2pm military burial will take place at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241. If you wish, you may make contributions to the American Lung Association or a charity of your choice.
