John C. Cottey, Jr., 59, of Elkhart, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2018 after a courageous 12 year battle with cancer.  He was born on June 19, 1958 to John C. and Martha Lou (Hostetler) Cottey in Goshen, Indiana.  On April 22, 1978, John married the love of his life, Carla K. Poling.  She survives.  He spent most of his life in Brooksville, Kentucky until he met Carla at 19 and moved to Elkhart.  He will be remembered for his humor and love of helping anyone in need.  He had a very big heart and loved spending time with his family-especially his grandchildren.  He loved sports and knew as many statistics as most announcers of the game.  He was an avid Cubs fan, Jimtown football, and sports at Notre Dame.  When he could, he would spend time at his sisters.  She seemed to make him smile and feel better even during his difficult times.  He worked with Larry "Jake" Hochstetler most of his young life.  John went to work for Goshen Stamping and retired after 39 years due to the disabling effects of cancer.  He had Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and was given 10 years.  He fought valiantly and lived 12 years.  He will be missed greatly because he was loved by so many.  The family would like to thank all the nurses and doctors that put up with him all these years for their excellent care and love.  You have become part of the family after 12 years of care.  John is survived by his wife of 40 years, Carla; 2 sons, John Michael Cottey and Joshua Wayne Cottey; a daughter, Amy (Jeff) McMasters; 5 grandchildren, Tristen, Natalie, Hayden, Kylee, and Lexi; 3 brothers, Wayne, Paul, and Gary Cottey; and his sister, Betty (Dean) King.  He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Randy Cottey.  Family and friends will be received Monday, May 21, 2018 from 4-8 PM at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, IN  46561.  There will be a funeral service in John's honor on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at 10 AM at the funeral home with burial to follow in Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.  To leave an online condolence or sign the guest book, please visit www.chapelhillmemorial.com.