Doyle V Cottam

Doyle Cottam

Escalante, Utah

Enthusiasm and zest for life are words that best describe Doyle V. Cottam. He embraced life with high expectations and determination to make things happen whether it was in leadership, work, play, or family life. Doyle was always involved with a project. He faced challenges with willpower to solve the problems and to make things better than he encountered them. Doyle was a hard worker and an active participant of life. Doyle died on February 23, 2013 at the age of 91 at his home in Escalante.

Doyle was born on April 11, 1921, in Escalante to Mae Euzell Roundy and Victor Ellis Cottam, the oldest of eight children. He had three sisters and four brothers. Doyle graduated from Escalante High School and attended one year at BYU. Doyle’s early youth (12-13) took him to the Boulder Mountain to Jacob’s Valley in the summer. He and his brother Milan would camp and herd sheep. They would move the sheep from Jacob’s Valley to the Rodger. He and his father would then take 10-day shifts. Doyle was happiest when he was riding his horse--with his dog trailing, and a gun slung over his saddle. He had a great love for Posey Lake, Blue Spruce, and Jacob’s Valley because this was where he spent his youth, and also his courtship with Thelma.

Doyle received his call to serve his mission in the San Antonio, Texas Mission. Because we were in the middle of World War II, there was a halt in calling out missionaries. Doyle was one of the last ten missionaries to serve in Texas. During the last two months of his mission, he was serving alone. He recalled that his main duty was to organize and oversee funerals. He would often give prayers, a sermon, and dedicate the grave. After his mission, he hitch-hiked his way back to Panguitch. His future wife, Thelma Spencer, was working there. Thelma and Doyle began dating when they were seniors in high school.

Doyle arrived home from his mission at the end of July. He and Thelma were married on August 15, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple by Elder Spencer W. Kimball. They were married one month before Doyle had to report to Camp Roberts in California in preparation to ship out to the South Pacific. He served in Okinawa, Sipan, Tinnian, and Guam, 1944-1946.

After returning home from the war, Doyle and Thelma built their home in Escalante and resided there for the rest of their lives. Their children are Myron D. (Sannette Checketts) Cottam, Escalante; Karen Cottam (Sherrell) Ott, Tropic; and Brent S. (Patrice Haws) Cottam, Escalante.

Doyle has worn many hats and has had good life experience. His favorite hat had to be his Western Stetson. He invested in farmland and cattle and as a result filled other occupations to keep the farm going. He worked for the state road, on the Glen Canyon Dam, superintendant for VC Mendenhall Construction Company, and later on in life he served as a Garfield County Assessor (12 years). He was a devout Republican and had the opportunity to be a district and state Republican delegate. He was active in Escalante politics as he served on the town council and was a member and president of the local water board for 20 years.

Doyle served as the ward clerk and later on as 2 ^nd counselor in the Escalante LDS North Ward for 15 years. He was then called to be the bishop for five years. A call to be a high councilman allowed him to visit with friends throughout the stake. He also served in other capacities in church callings. Doyle and Thelma in their retirement years were called to serve as temple ordinance workers in the St. George Temple (August 23, 1988). This was the highlight of their lives. They enjoyed the St. George area, and made many new friends. This calling came to an end when his wife, Thelma, had a massive stroke. The next 14 years, he served and took care of Thelma through the final chapter of her life. She preceded him in death March 24, 2008.

Doyle loved to travel, eat out, and indulge himself by eating chocolate candy, Dr. Pepper, and a bag of popcorn as he watched the Jazz Play. He was always eager to see the Dairy Queen open each spring. Doyle loved to tell stories about his youth, and the early pioneer history of Escalante. His 92 years have been a bridge from pioneer days to the current modern conveniences. He and his wife, Thelma were extremely loyal to their Escalante heritage. They have loved their grandchildren and were blessed to see them grow up and attend their activities. They loved the Escalante basketball games. His family will truly miss him.

Doyle is survived by his children and their spouses. He has 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters: Beth Smith, Veryle Gracie, Diane (Steve) Marth and sisters-in-law: Laura Cottam, Golda Cottam, Arcola (Pratt) Gates, and Janeal (Jerry) Chatterton.

He is also preceded in death by his parents, and brothers: Milan Cottam (WWII), Rodney Cottam, DelMar Cottam, and Allen Kent Cottam; brother-in-law: Vernon R. (Rula Jane) Spencer.

A special thanks to all who have helped Doyle at any time at home and in the Garfield Memorial Care Center. A special thanks to Sue Bassett for her patience and the care she has given him for the last six years. As a family, we deeply love and appreciate her.

Funeral services will be held Friday, March 1, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. in the Escalante Stake Center where friends may call from 10:30 am.—12:30 pm. Burial will be in the Escalante Cemetery with military rites by the Escalante American Legion Post#0114. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti.