Robert Ross “Bob” Cotter, age 72, of Marysville, died peacefully Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at his home. A retired educator, he served as a teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. With a career spanning 40 years, Bob was a former principal at both Fairborn High School and Warren High School and served most of his tenure at Marysville, where he taught and was assistant principal at Marysville High School. His coaching career included varsity football and varsity wrestling. For many summers, he was the Marysville Municipal Pool manager and sports editor and writer for the Marysville Journal-Tribune. A 1967 graduate of Bishop Watterson High School, he received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University and a master’s degree from Wright State University. Bob was skilled in so many areas, as he wasn’t afraid of hard work. He was a dearly devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.
An avid reader, golfer and Neil Diamond fan, he will be remembered for “never knowing a stranger” and his storytelling. Bob loved to help and serve others. His positions of servitude included, an honorably discharged member of the U.S. Army, a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church and fourth degree member of the Knights of Columbus, member and past Exalted Ruler of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 1130, and member of Marysville Fraternal Order of Eagles Lodge, Aerie 3506.
Proud of his Irish heritage, Bob was born April 27, 1949 in Franklin County to the late Paul E. and Mary Frances Follick Cotter. He was also preceded in death by his brother and sister-in-law, Maurice “Murph” and Judy Burson Cotter; brother-in-law, Harold “Hal” Hyde; and his father-and mother-in-law, Drew and Mary Crossin. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Kathleen E. Crossin Cotter, whom he married December 12, 1970 at St. Joseph Cathedral in Columbus; his children, Kelly (Keith) Jones of Marysville, Colleen (Aaron) Adkins of Columbus, Bob (Terri) Cotter of Charlotte, North Carolina and Kevin Cotter of Marysville; his grandchildren, Ali, Grant, Riley, Maggie, Jackson, Garrett, Keira, Emma and Sydney; his sisters, Mary Jo Hyde, Kathie Cotter; his twin sister, Betty Kaps; his brothers, Paul (Carol) Cotter and Pat Cotter; his brothers-and sisters-in-law, Susie (Don) Emler, John Crossin and Bill (Peg) Crossin; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and the best of friends.
The family will receive friends 5 to 8 p.m. on Monday, December 27, 2021 at Underwood Funeral Home where the Holy Rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on Tuesday at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church. The Rev. Kevin J. Kavanagh will officiate and interment will be at the church cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.underwoodfuneralhome.com.