Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
William Cothron Obituary
He was the son of Pauline and the late Clay Cothron.
Upon graduation from Bellarmine College, he taught middle school. Bill went on to work for Ford Motor Company, completing 30 years of service.
After retiring, Bill was able to fulfill his life-long ambition to become an independent filmmaker. With his friend, James Wolford Hardin, a partnership called True Dreams Productions was formed.
The multi-talented Bill wrote the scripts, directed and acted in two full-length movies, "Finale: The Last Case" and "Finale II: Deader than Dead." The achievement of his dreams came when his film "Fangs For the Memories" won Best Short Film in the 2006 Fright Fest Film Competition.
Bill had the gift of bringing out the best in local actors. He was respected and admired by everyone who worked with him.
William was also remarkably adept in magic. He was a member of the Louisville Magic Club, Society of American Magicians and the International Brotherhood of Magicians. For years, Bill and his oldest son, Kent, performed magic shows. His audiences were amazed as Bill produced doves and rabbits, did unusual and intricate card tricks and made coins vanish.
Somehow, Bill found the time to volunteer two days a week at Schaffner Traditional Elementary School, working with six-year-olds who loved him.
William was a devout Christian and a member of St. Stephen United Church of Christ.
Besides being a loving husband, loyal friend, affectionate father and true family man, Bill's compassion extended to animals. He had a collection of 10 pets, including cats, dogs and a Nigerian pygmy goat named Griffin.
Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Barbra; his three awesome and gifted children, Kent, Camille and Blake, all in California; his kind mother, Pauline; his favorite sister-in-law, Anne Luttrell; and his beloved dachshund, Auggy.
Visitation is 3-8 p.m. Wednesday and noon-8 p.m. Thursday at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Hwy. A celebration of Bill's wonderful life will take place 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, with interment in Louisville Memorial Gardens West.
The family requests that expressions of sympathy take the form of donations to Bill's favorite charities, the Animal Care Society, 12207 Westport Road, Louisville, KY 40245 or the American Family Association of Kentucky, P.O. Box 8089, Louisville, KY 40257.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Cothron
Kent Cothron
August 16, 2022
Still thinking of you every day. I wish I could still watch you do your amazing Magic Tricks. We all miss you, forever.
Vicki as Visiona
Vicki Lewis-Thumm
April 14, 2010
I received this sad news in Germany to my total dismay. Bill took me under his wings 25 years ago when I was a young, naive, aspiring magician in the Louisville Magic Club. He always looked out for me like a big brother. His son Kent was a little boy back then and we did some magic shows together. I have great memories of this wonderful person who I am proud to call my friend. I am so sad I couldn't tell him this personally but I send all my best wishes to his wife, Barbara and to Kent, and the entire family. You are not alone with your sadness.
Howard Shneider
April 2, 2010
Bill and myself spent many times at Ford Motor talking politics and watching Bills latest card tricks.Bill was one of the finest gentleman I have ever met and he is now "HOME".
Jean Shewmaker
March 31, 2010
Barbara & family,
I am so sorry to hear of Bill's death. I am forever grateful to him for the many hours he spent with my husband, Tom, during his illness. He would come and entertain him for hours at a time. I have very fond memories of him participating in Carol Lee's Recitals and of all of you during your days at St. Denis. My prayers are with you all.
Marty Pollio
March 31, 2010
Although I wasn't a close personal friend of Bill's, we enjoyed doing professional favors for each other. He was a great guy, and I always had a good time talking and working with him. I'm very sad to hear of his passing, and sorry that I'm not in town go to his services. My condolences and deepest sympathy go out to his family.
March 31, 2010
My deepest sympathy for the whole family. Bill has become one of the most important people in my life. He had become role model to me and has taught me so much. I only see Bill once or twice a week for the past three or four years and he was one of the finest men i have ever met. If there is anything i can do to help out please let me know.
-Daniel Schroerlucke
Mike & Michele Raymer
March 30, 2010
Bill, we will miss you at the magic club. Our prayers are with your family at this time.
March 30, 2010
Dear Family & Friends..our prayers are with you ,may you feel God's love and care. ,Larry & Patricia Harrington.
Ted Kiefer
March 30, 2010
I wish that we would have seen each other more often. I cherish the family parties at Aunt Pauline's house. I enjoyed your magic tricks.
Frank Cordek
March 30, 2010
Dear Cothron family,
Reading this is truly touching. It was my honor to have known Bill. I am so so sorry for your loss. Please know that I am thinking of all of you.
My deepest sympathy,
''LOVE NEVER DIES ''
March 30, 2010
Love never dies.share the memories! God Bless ! ...Patricia Harrington
March 30, 2010
Lori Parker
March 30, 2010
I am so very sorry for your loss. My daughter had Barbara for first grade and she has very fond memories of Mr. Cothron. When my sons started there this year they got to meet Griffin and talked about Mr. Cothron and Griffin for weeks. He was a great man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Kyra New
March 30, 2010
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in William Cothron's name
Memorial Events
for William Cothron
Funeral services provided by:
Owen Funeral Home - Dixie Highway5317 Dixie Highway, Louisville, KY 40216
How to support William's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor William Cothron's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
