Reverend G. Dale Cottom, 97, of Evansville, passed away on Oct. 20, 2013, at Solarbron Assisted Living facility. He was born in Blackhawk, IN on Oct. 24, 1915, to Riley Cottom and Edmona Edmondson Cottom. He was a draftsman in the engineering department at Commercial Solvents Corporation where he organized the company's yearly employee picnic and served as the Master of Ceremonies for the annual employee Christmas party. He is survived by his son, David L. Cottom, M.D. and wife Jackie; granddaughters Camme H. Miles, D.V.M. and C. Lee Worley, M.D. (Rodney); grandson, J. Cris Cottom, P.E. (Betty); six great-grandsons, Justin Miles, Henry Cottom, Davin Miles, Jack Cottom, Stephen Cottom, and Daniel Cottom; and multiple nephews and nieces. He graduated from Blackhawk High School in 1933 and was voted the All County Basketball Center when his team won the County Basketball Championship. Reverend Cottom served as a Sunday School Superintendent for Breden Memorial Evangelical United Brethren Church. He completed correspondence courses from the Moody Bible Institute, completing his ministerial studies at Indiana Central College. He was ordained as a pastor in the Evangelical United Brethren Church. Over the years he served as a pastor at Farmer's Chapel, Fontanet, Fort Harrison, Oak Hill and West Terre Haute United Methodist Churches. He maintained his membership at the Breden Memorial United Methodist Church and, during his last few years, attended Crossroads Christian Church in Evansville. His greatest joy was witnessing to others about God's salvation plan for mankind through His Son, Jesus Christ and observing the Holy Spirit complete the process. He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Avola Hazel Hutchinson Cottom, whom he married in 1939; brothers, Harvey and Floyd; and a sister, Mabel. Funeral services will be at 3 p.m. Sunday in DeBaun Springhill Chapel, 85 E. Springhill Dr. with Pastors David Deal and Jeff Lee officiating. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. until the time of service. Private burial will be later in Oak Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blackhawk Community Church, Breden Memorial United Methodist Church, Oak Hill Community Church, West Terre Haute United Methodist Church, Crossroads Christian Church or the Light House Mission.