- Date Of Birth: June 2, 1928
- Date Of Death: September 1, 2009
- State: Pennsylvania
William Clyde Cotner, 81, of 1525 Harding Avenue, died Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at the Williamsport Home. He is survived by his wife of sixty years, Doris Haug Cotner.
Born June 2, 1928, he was the son of Clyde C. and Florence Walter Cotner.
Having attended Williamsport schools, he graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.S. degree. He was selected to two honorary fraternities and graduated a Pitt Scholar. He received his M.A. degree from Penn State University.
In 1956 he began a long career in the steel industry, working at locations in Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. After retiring as the Vice President of Human Resources, he and his wife, Dodie, returned to Williamsport to enjoy the beauty of Central Pennsylvania. In retirement he was a contract worker in the Educational Department at the Allenwood Federal Camp.
During the Korean War, he served in the Planning Division of the Supply and Fiscal Department at the U.S. Naval Training Center at Bainbridge, MD. He received the American Spirit Honor Medal for his display of outstanding qualities of leadership, best expressing the American Spirit, Honor, Initiative, Loyalty and High Example to Comrades in Arms.
He was a member of Tyrian Lodge, F & AM, New Kensington, PA and the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Jamestown, NY. He was active in the lodge and recently received his 50 year pin.
After buying his first airplane, he began his journey to become a licensed private pilot. This was one of his greatest experiences. He loved every moment of it, from his first solo flight to the many beautiful trips with Dodie to places they wanted to see, including many flights to Canada.
While living in Ohio he started a flying club. Eleven members joined and they purchased two airplanes. Bill and one other licensed pilot helped the students gain experience and confidence while enjoying many hours in the sky.
In 1941, Bill competed in the Soap Box Derby, running on the slope of Market Street in Williamsport; he won that day and raced in the National Championship in Akron, OH.
Bill loved outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, and gardening. He and Dodie had a special lake in Canada where they vacationed for many years enjoying the vast beauty and the walleye dinners.
He was predeceased by a son, William C. Cotner, Jr.
He is survived by two brothers, Robert C. Cotner of Canton, OH and Lloyd C. Cotner of Fernandino Beach, FL and nieces and nephews.
A family friend, J.
