B. W. Cotterman, 63, 258 S. Plum, Ottawa, executive head of Ottawa Public Schools for the past seven years, died of a cerebral hemorrhage at 1:25am Sat, in his home.
A graduate of Ohio Northern University, Mr. Cotterman was a teacher in the Alger schools for 20 years and was executive head of Harrod Schools for eight years, and was associated with the Ohio City school prior to coming to Ottawa. He also served as superintendent of Hardin County Schools for two years.
He was a member of the National Education Association, the Putnam County Education Association, the American Association of School Administrators, the Ohio Association of School Administration, Northwest District.
He was also a member of Eureka Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, No. 592, Ohio City; Ada Chapter, No. 6, Order of the Eastern Star, Ada and Trinity Methodist Church, Ottawa.
Mr. Cotterman was born September 6, 1897 near Ottawa, a son of Andrew and Edna Jane (McLaughlin) Cotterman. His first wife, Hazel Elzay, died in 1937, and on January 8, 1938, he married Glenna Wickliffe Carlson who survives.
Also surviving are two sons, Ken of Mansfield, and Max of Erie, PA; a daughter, Kay Rita, at home; a step daughter, Mrs. Robert McConnam of Manhattan Beach, CA; seven grandchildren; two sisters, Mrs. Esther Serim of Dunkirk and Mrs. Mary Shull of Grant, MI; and a brother, Emmett of Toledo.
Funeral services will be held at 2:20pm Tue in the First Methodist Church, Alger, with Rev. Don Corton, Rev. William Thomas, and Rev. Benjamin Loan officiating. Burial will be in Preston Cemetery, Ada.
Friends may call at the Hanson Funeral Home, Ada, after 2pm Sun and until 2pm Mon when the body will be removed to the La Point Funeral Home, Ottawa. Friends may call there after 4pm Mon and until 10am Tue when the body will be taken to the Alger Church to await services.
- The Lima News – 29Jan1961
