Norman Eugene "Gene" Cottrell, 71 years, of Hicksville, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Genesis Healthcare - Twin Rivers Center, Defiance. Gene was born October 25, 1944 in Defiance County, Ohio, the son of the late Norman Ray and Martha (Rodocker) Cottrell. He was a 1963 graduate of Hicksville High School. Gene was an Army veteran, serving during the Vietnam Era as a Military Policeman. He married Linda L. Kinzer on April 22, 1965. He was a Police Officer working for the Hicksville Police Department as well as the Defiance County Sheriff's Department. He then worked as a Tire Builder for BF Goodrich for 33 years, retiring in 1995. He attended Life Changing Realities Fellowship in Edgerton. Gene enjoyed horseback riding. He also enjoyed a good western book reviewing the Almanac or watching a good western movie.

Surviving is his wife Linda of Hicksville; two daughters, Dawn Marie Cottrell of New Albany, Mississippi and Lisa Renee Cottrell of Hicksville; two grandsons, Cory Blotkamp and Brandon Robinson; one sister, Paula Elliott of Hicksville and one brother, Dave (Donna) Cottrell of Woodsfield, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant brother and his grandparents, Ray and Elma Cottrell.

There will be no visitation and private graveside services will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Defiance. Arrangements are under the care of Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan, Ohio.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial donations be given to the family.