Charles Dale Cotterman

Age 86, of Mt. Morris, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. A funeral service will take place at 4:00pm on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Mt. Morris Church of Christ, 1262 South Street, Mt. Morris, Michigan. Jim Watson and Nick Franklin to officiate with a private burial to take place at a later date at Flint Memorial Park Cemetery. Family will be present to receive friends at the church from 2:00pm until the time of the service at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be considered to the Clio Cast and Crews Show-to-Go Singers. Envelopes will be available at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Charles’ tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Charles Dale Cotterman was born on January 7, 1939, in Flint, the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Ella (Hartman) Cotterman. Charles graduated from high school in Phoenix, Arizona in 1957. Shortly after graduating high school, he attended General Motors Institute, now known as Kettering University, where he would have received an associate degree for tool and die making. He would begin his career with General Motors as a tool and die maker during his time at General Motors Institute, later becoming one of the top tool and die makers at General Motors. He was a member of the UAW Local 659. After 40 years of service, Charles would retire in 1997. In June of 1958, he met the love of his life, Darlene Kern. On August 23, 1958, the two were united in marriage. They would be blessed with two beautiful daughters, to whom Charles would cherish deeply.

Charles was a longtime member of the Mt. Morris Church of Christ, first attending in 1958. His involvement would span past worship, as he would help lead his daughter’s youth group for many years. When he was younger, he enjoyed playing darts, softball, and bowling. His favorite sport though was golf, and he would spend much of his time playing or watching the sport. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, Charles would share his gift to many by joining the Clio Cast and Crew as a Show-to-Go singer. In this group, he would attend many events in the community and visit nursing homes to sing. Keeping the love for music alive, he would also square dance with his wife and friends often. He and his wife would also frequent the Krapohl Senior Center in Mt. Morris to visit and play cards with friends. Most of all, Charles enjoyed spending time with his family and creating new memories. He would show off his pizza-making skills by making homemade pizza for his daughters every Sunday night, as well as cooking up a nice cozy breakfast every Saturday morning.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife of 67 years: Darlene Cotterman; his two daughters: April and husband, Tom Moffatt, Ranee and husband, Tom Proper; his six grandchildren: Nicole Moffatt, Kristina and husband, Dustin VanSchoick, Amber and husband, John Lazarus, Andrew and wife, Sarah Proper, Steven Proper, Michelle Moffatt; his four great-grandchildren: Jaxson Lazarus, Edward VanSchoick, Madilynn Lazarus, Eleanor Proper; his siblings: Donna and husband, Alonzo Taylor, Gina Cotterman and husband, Barry Gavin; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Charles was preceded in death by his parents: Harry and Ella Cotterman; and his brothers: Michael Cotterman, and Harry (Dave) Cotterman.