Charles (Charlie) Allen Cottingham

Charles (Charlie) Allen Cottingham, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on February 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old. Born on July 24, 1936, in Independence Missouri, Charlie was the youngest of three siblings and possessed a vibrant personality that made him a friend to everyone he encountered.

With a personality as big as his heart, Charlie never met a stranger. He had a remarkable talent for storytelling, often sharing humorous and heartfelt tales from his childhood that not only entertained but also imparted valuable life lessons. His stories were a testament to his love for life and the connections he forged with those around him.

Charlie was an avid athlete in his youth, participating in various sports and forming lifelong friendships that he treasured. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Sharon Mills, while spending time in the lounge of the student nurse dormitory where she was studying. Their love story began, and they married on June 14, 1963. In the weeks leading up to his passing, Charlie expressed that his only regret was not asking Sharon to marry him sooner. Together, they shared 61 beautiful years filled with love, laughter, and unwavering support.

Charlie's professional journey began as a high school English teacher, where he also coached basketball and baseball at North Kansas City High School. In 1968, he and Sharon embarked on a new adventure, packing their Pontiac station wagon with their two young children, Matthew and Susan, and driving across the country to Walla Walla, WA. There, Charlie took on the role of teacher and assistant basketball coach at Walla Walla Community College. After a year, he transitioned to counseling students, helping them navigate their educational and professional goals. Charlie briefly retired but returned to WWCC to become the Head of the Foundation, passionately raising funds for scholarships to help students who might not otherwise afford college. One of his most cherished initiatives was the summer musical productions, which became a highlight for the community. Over the years, Charlie positively impacted the lives of hundreds of students, many of whom would stop him on the streets of Walla Walla to express their gratitude for his guidance and support.

What was meant to be "just a one-year adventure" turned into over 50 years of cherished memories and lifelong friendships. Charlie loved spending time fishing, playing racquetball, and attending his children's and grandchildren's sporting and musical events.

After retiring (again) from WWCC, Charlie and Sharon hit the open road in their RV, affectionately nicknamed "The Coach". They visited nearly every state and put nearly 100,000 miles on their motorhome. One of their favorite spots was Surprise, AZ where they would meet year after year to "circle the wagons" with new friends made along the trail.

Charlie will be fondly remembered for his infectious sense of humor, including his famous "big boy pops from the big boy shop" and his remarkable ability to make everyone around him feel special. Community involvement was important to Charlie, and he was active in the Blue Mountain Exchange, the Elks and Exchange Clubs, and fundraising for the YMCA and WA-HI Boosters.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Marguerite Gott (Cottingham/Kirkham) and Raymond Gott as well as his sister, Joan Done and brother, Leo Cottingham. Charlie leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and kindness. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his children, Matthew, Susan and Jennifer; his eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild who will carry forward his spirit and the lessons he imparted. He is also survived by his brothers and sister-in-law Richard and Kathleen Livingston and Andrew Mills.

A celebration of Charlie's life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 1:00pm – 4:00pm, at Walla Walla Community College. Family and friends are invited to bring their stories, jokes, and photos to share as we honor the life of our wild, loving and bigger than life Charlie (Chazo) Cottingham.

In lieu of flowers the Cottingham family requests donations to the WWCC Foundation in Charlie's honor, continuing his legacy of supporting students and their dreams.

Charlie's legacy of love, laughter, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.