Wayne Allen Cottril

Wayne Cottril, 87, passed away on August 19, 2022 with his wife, Nancy, at his side. He was born August 17, 1935 to Vernon and Ceola Cottril in Atchison, KS. Wayne grew up on the family farm located just south of Fairview, KS. His early days were spent in a one room school, before graduating from Fairview High School. He enjoyed 4H, football, basketball and growing up in a small town with many family members nearby. His grandmother, in particular, was a loving, constant presence in his life. He learned about hard work as a youngster and never forgot the value of work.

He moved to Topeka, KS in 1966 and began working as a Tire Builder at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. He had different jobs in several areas of the plant, but most enjoyed building the giant earth mover tires. He was a proud member of United Rubber Workers #307. His strong work ethic sustained him for over 32 years, retiring from Goodyear in 1998.

Wayne married Nancy McCullough at West Side Baptist Church on January 1, 1977. They decided immediately that travel was going to be a priority. Through the years they traveled the US and camped in state and National Parks. Loving nature and wanting to see and experience it all, they shared their love of one another through travel. Their travels to Europe started later and many trips abroad were enjoyed for 30 years. Winter trips to Puerto Rico were a treat. His most memorable trip was a Safari to Africa. Wayne's life revolved around his wife, Nancy, and their travels together.

Wayne enjoyed Topeka High basketball and football, working on projects around the house, walking Sofie through the neighborhood, visiting with neighbors, refinishing furniture, classical music, K-State football and any musical or sporting event that was going on at Washburn University. He volunteered for the Topeka High Booster Club, Topeka Performing Arts Center, Topeka Community Concert and was a Washburn Ichabod Club board member. He was honored by Washburn as the Ichabod Fan of the Year in 1991 and as an Honorary Ichabod in 2021. His love and admiration of Kansas State University & Washburn University are well known. He chose not to attend college, but became an advocate of young people wanting a college education. He was always a dog lover and cared for many wonderful dogs over the years. Sofie was a constant companion these last several years.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy and her children Melissa McCullough Weikel and Mark McCullough; son-in-law, Dennis Weikel; grandchildren, Amanda, Jeremy & Stacie Weikel; son, David Cottril; brother, Charles Cottril; many loving family members; and dear neighbors & friends.

Memorial Service will be on Monday, August 29th, 7:00 p.m. at West Side Baptist Church, 1008 SW 4th St., Topeka, KS, 66606. The family will greet friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. Masks are encouraged. To view the service on-line https://www.facebook.com/wsbctopeka/videos/

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the following:
Washburn University Foundation, 1729 SW MacVicar Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66604, or made online at wualumni.org/givenow. These memorials will support men's and women's basketball players through the Wayne & Nancy Cottril Basketball Scholarship Fund.

KSU Foundation, 1800 Kimball Ave., Ste 200, Manhattan, KS 66502, please indicate fund M47416 to be used by the Johnson Cancer Research Center. To make a gift online, go to www.ksufoundation.org/give/memorials.

To leave a message for Wayne's family, please visit the guestbook below.