William R. "Bob" Cottrell, 71, of Steelville passed away Saturday, August 29, 2009 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. He was born August 22, 1938 at Dillard, MO to Cletis and Marie (nee Setzer) Cottrell. On August 22, 1964 in St. Louis, MO, he was married to Karen Diane (Mullen) Cottrell who survives of the home. Bob will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Karen of forty-five years, his five children; Holly Marie Cottrell, Julie Ann Bass and husband Stephan, Corey Warner Cottrell and wife Tonya, Colin Dillard Cottrell and Karey Elizabeth Franz and husband Jess all of Steelville, MO; seven grandchildren, Brendan Robert Bass, Hannah Mae Cottrell, Cayman Rebecca Cottrell, Trent Alexander Bass, Chase William Cottrell, Cale Benjamin Cottrell and Warner John Cottrell; one brother, Jim Cottrell and wife Joyce of Cherryville, MO; one sister-in-law, Rosemary Pope of DeSoto, MO; aunts and uncle, Lois and Marvin Dicus of Steelville, MO and Jean Setzer of Cuba, MO; nieces and nephews, Lance Cottrell and wife Jody, Shannon Harmon and husband Lance, Erik Pope and wife Angie, Andrea Pope and Tim Pope; other relatives and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Geraldine Markel and two brothers-in-law, Bill Pope and Dave Markel. Bob grew up in Dillard, MO and after high school went to college at Missouri State University in Springfield, MO, but came home to work at First Community Bank for seventeen and a half years. While in banking, he attended the School of Banking in Wisconsin for two years. After leaving the bank in 1979, he and Karen bought a farm and went into business for themselves and built the Huzzah Valley Stables and resort business. What began as a few campsites and canoes quickly grew into a favorite vacation spot known as Huzzah Valley Resort attracting visitors from far and wide. It was here that he became the man known to so many as "Huzzah Bob". Bob was a member of many organizations and was the first president and one of the first founders of the Ozark Trail Blazers Association. He was a member of the NACLO (Nat. Assoc. of Canoe Livery Outfitters and was the Midwest director, PPA ( Professional Paddlesports Assoc.), NRA, MO Cattleman's Association, Crawford County Cattleman's Assoc., MO Campground & RV Park Association, National Cutting Horse Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Ozark Heritage tourism Association, MO Canoe & Floaters Association and co-founder of the Mid-Missouri Canoe Association. He was also a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Steelville and served in the Army National Guard of Missouri. Bob had many hobbies and Colorado Elk hunting for thirty-nine years was one of his favorites. He enjoyed riding horses and showing horses and was a show judge for many years. His recent years were spent carrying out his love for cattle and horses through ranching and horse shows. He was a fisherman and loved to fish for striper bass and some gigging when he had a chance. He enjoyed playing cards, loved all water sports and especially water skiing. Bob loved traveling to all parts of the United States and all over the world, but the last few years he and Karen enjoyed going to Arizona in their RV. Bob always enjoyed being with children and teenagers and teaching them to ride horses. He loved people and helping them in a time of need, but most of all he loved his family and he loved life. "Huzzah Bob" will long be remembered as a friend to many. Visitation was from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home in Steelville, MO. A funeral mass was held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Steelville, MO with Father James Finder officiating. Reading of the scriptures was by Sara Farmer. Music was played by organist and vocalist, Delores Bell. Serving at the altar were Jake and Joe Howdeshell. Casket bearers were Kenny Wood, Kenny Staples, Lenny Staples, Blake Wishon, Lance Cottrell, Erik Pope, John Bell, Spencer Doss and Tim Pope. Honorary casket bearers were Gene Maggard, JR Isom, Charlie Yowell, Paul Perkins, Matthew "Dillon" Parry, Wayde Grandstaff, Steve West, James Fonz Davis, Robert "Bear" Bass, Brad Brewer, Eddie Wallis, Dean Wymer, Phil Mitchell, John Perkins, Jim Vaughn, Skip Wishon, Stephan Bass and Jess Franz. Committal prayer and burial with full military honors were conducted by the U.S. Army in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Leasburg, MO. Memorials may be given to the Sacred Heart Cemetery Fund for a memorial flag pole. The Family of William Robert "Bob" Cottrell placed their trust in the Britton-Bennett Funeral Home of Steelville, MO.