Our Team

Barth Cotner

Owner / Funeral Director

Barth Cotner is a lifetime resident of Reynoldsburg, Ohio and owns Cotner Funeral Home.  Cotner Funeral Home has been family owned for three generations.  Barth’s parents, Bill and Betty Cotner, believed in building a legacy of love and service within Reynoldsburg and surrounding communities. Barth graduated from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.  He is a licensed funeral director, crematory operator and embalmer.  Barth serves on the Reynoldsburg-Pickerington Rotary Club, the Reynoldsburg Area Chamber of Commerce, the Hannah Ashton Middle School PTO and is a city councilman in our community, Reynoldsburg.  Barth and his wife Julie have been married for over 20 years and they have 2 children: Lucie and Casey.  

Email: 

April Oates

Office Manager

April Oates began serving with Cotner Funeral Home in 2007.  April received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Ohio University. She is the office manager at Cotner Funeral Home.  April is studying to become a licensed funeral director.  She is, also, a full-time teacher at Reynoldsburg’s Hannah Ashton Middle School.  In 2015, April welcomed her son, Jaxon, into the world.  Jaxon is her pride and joy!  April enjoys spending time with her son and is always finding fun ways to brighten anyone’s day.

Email: 

Kent Ellis

Funeral Director

Kent Ellis began serving with Cotner Funeral Home in 2005. Kent grew up on the Columbus east side and received a Bachelor’s Degree in business and finance from Mount Vernon Nazarene College.  After leaving the banking industry, Kent attended Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and is now a licensed funeral director and embalmer. Kent and his wife, Roma, have been married for almost 20 years and have 3 children: Bethany, Evan and Olivia.  Kent enjoys spending time together with his family; hiking, biking and traveling.  Kent, also, has a standard poodle named, Gigi.

Email: 

Don Supelak

Funeral Director

Don Supelak began his career in funeral service with a Bachelor’s Degree from the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. Don is originally from Cleveland, OH, and moved to Columbus, OH, early in his career where he spent several years in the preplanning aspect of the industry. He has been serving Central Ohio families for all of their funeral needs for 29 plus years now.  Don joined the Cotner Funeral Home staff in December 2017.

Don has two daughters; Brittany and Katelyn. Brittany and her husband, Tyler, welcomed his first grandchild, Gabriella Ann in July, 2020. Katelyn and  Vince were married in October, 2021.

When Don is away from the funeral home, he enjoys hockey, golfing, kayaking, riding his Trek bike and spending time with his puppy, Brody.

Email: 

Larry Fields

Associate

Larry Fields began his journey with Cotner Funeral Home in 1981.  Larry enlisted and served in the United States Army after graduating high school and served for 3 years.  Upon returning from the service, Larry attended Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma. Larry met his wife, Judy, there and they have 3 wonderful grown children: Brad, Scott and Christina and now 8 grandchildren. Larry met Bill and Betty Cotner at Reynoldsburg Nazarene Church and it became a lasting friendship.  Larry is what you might call the utility person, always behind the scenes doing whatever is needed to keep the team running smoothly.

Craig Saylor

Associate

Craig Saylor became a Cotner Funeral Home team member in 2008 and has lived in Reynoldsburg since 1982. Craig and his wife, Leslee, raised two daughters that both attended Reynoldsburg City Schools.  Craig met Mr. Cotner on April 27, 2000, the day that his oldest daughter, Jennifer, passed away suddenly from a brain aneurysm. Craig and Leslee made final funeral arrangements with Mr. Cotner and they were welcomed into the Cotner family. The compassion and maturity during this awful time in our life will always be remembered. Craig enjoys working with the Cotner team and giving back to others during their time of grief.

Alex Wright

Associate

Alex Wright began working with Cotner Funeral Home in 2018.  Alex is a senior at Licking Heights High School. Alex enjoys being involved in his community. He volunteers his time with Reynoldsburg Parks & Rec and through his church, Reynoldsburg Church of the Nazarene.  Alex runs cross country and track for his high school.  He is the son of Matt & Erin Wright and has a little sister named, Ellie.  He enjoys playing and watching sports including football, baseball and running.  He is, also, a big Ohio State and Cleveland Browns fan.

Kylie Dingess

Visiting Coordinator

Kylie Dingess is our visiting coordinator and began her service with Cotner Funeral Home in 2014.  Kylie grew up in Johnstown, Ohio and is the oldest of three children.  Kylie and her husband, Craig, enjoy spending time with their family and friends.  She, also, enjoys reading and horseback riding. 

Smriti Adhikari

Associate

Smriti Adhikari joined the Cotner Funeral Home team in 2019.  Smriti is a student at Reynoldsburg High School and moved to the United States in 2009 from Nepal.  She has lived in Reynoldsburg for 3 years now.  She lives with her mom, dad and 2 siblings. Smriti enjoys dancing and volunteering in the community.

Lisa Wood

Community Outreach Director

Lisa Wood began serving with Cotner Funeral Home in 2018.  Lisa received her Bachelor’s Degree from The Ohio State University.  She is a devoted member at East Side Grace Brethren Church. She is an active participant on both the Slate Ridge Elementary and Hannah Ashton Middle School Parent Teacher Organizations, serves on the JPAC for the Reynoldsburg Community Center YMCA and is a volunteer coach through Reynoldsburg Parks & Recreation.  Lisa resides in Reynoldsburg and enjoys connecting with the people in her community and spending time with her friends and family.  Her favorite events include Christmas on The Towne, the 3rd grade field trips visiting the Cotner Community Mural and Saturday Nights in Olde Reynoldsburg.  Lisa and her husband, Mark, were married in 2002 and have four children: Natalie, Abby, Ryan and Savannah.

Email: