In Memory

Harlen Cotterman

A Funeral Service for Harlen Eugene Cotterman, age 99, will be held at 1  p.m. on Sunday, August 7, 2022 at The Newark Chapel of Henderson-Van Atta-Stickle Funeral & Cremation Service, 59 N. Fifth Street, Newark. Military Honors will be provided by the Licking County Veterans Alliance and a presentation by the American Legion Post 85.  Friends may attend visitation thirty minutes prior to the service (12:30 - 1p.m.)

Harlen died in his sleep May 29, 2022. He was born February 25, 1923 on the family farm in Newark, Ohio (the road now bears the family name) to Harry Maurice Cotterman and Vesta Estelle (Kreager) Cotterman. His mother died when he was 12. After graduating from Newark High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in WWII. Even though a farm accident had taken the sight of his right eye, he was awarded a marksman medal and served in Europe with the 84th Field Hospital as a T5 Mess Sargent. In harm’s way, he was awarded a bronze star.

After the war, he owned and operated a restaurant in Newark for two years, but realized his future lay in education. Working nights and weekends he graduated in 1952 from The Ohio State University (Columbus) with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art Education. He taught art in the Steubenville City Schools from 1952 to 1955. He was sought after to teach at the newly opened Whitehall-Yearling High School where he also ran the Adult Education program in addition to teaching art from 1955 to 1961.

In 1961, he was recruited as High School Principal in Philo, Ohio where he served until 1966. Not resting on his laurels, he had continued his studies graduating with a Master of Arts in School Administration from The Ohio State University in 1963. Then served as local Superintendent in Gettysburg, Ohio (1966-67) and Assistant City Schools Superintendent in Bellefontaine, Ohio from 1967 to 1971.

However, realizing that he had missed interaction with the children, he took on various positions with the Lakota Local Schools in Rising Sun, Ohio - Principal at Jackson Burgoon Elementary, and various supervisory positions negotiating supplies and equipment for the school system, finally retiring from education in 1980.

He was a member of numerous organizations (Lions International, Newark Chapter of American Legion, Rotary International, Chamber of Commerce etc.) and longtime member of the Christ United Methodist Church of Newark, Ohio serving in various roles (Trustee, Chairman Administrative Board, Stewardship, Finance et al.). His Sunday School Class had kept together throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Eloise Harriet (Cooper) Cotterman; his son, Daniel Eugene (Nancy) Cotterman who had served as a helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War; and a great-grandson, Nathan.

He is survived by his sister, Thelma Chandler; three daughters, Florence (Jim) Borad, Cindy (Fred) Sondles, and Jennifer (Larry) Baiamonte; a daughter-in-law,  Nancy; nine grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; and four great-great grandchildren, as well as nieces and a nephew.

He was inurned next to his wife in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Newark.

Memorial Contributions can be made in Harlen's name to Ohio State’s Ross Heart Hospital, checks payable to OSU Foundation and may be mailed to P.O. Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218-3112.

Mr. Harlen Cotterman passed away on May 29, 2022 at the age of 100.  He taught Fine Arts at WYHS  in the early 1960's.  His family lived in Whitehall.  Florence, Dan and Cindy attended Whitethall schools. 



 
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06/08/22 02:55 PM #1    

Mike Workman (1971)

Rest peacefully Mr. Cotterman. sad


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