Richard H Cozart
October 7, 1929 ~ October 6, 2020 (age 90) 90 Years Old
Tribute
Richard Howard Cozart, of Parker, Florida was reunited with his loving wife Shirley, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 6th, 2020, just one day shy of his 91st birthday. Richard was the first of six children born on October 7th, 1929 in Fairmont, West Virginia to Howard and Mabel (Hileman) Cozart.
In 1954, Richard met the love of his life Shirley and they were married in Long Beach, California on June 8th, 1958. He was a devoted husband for 62 years and proud father of three children. Richard trained as a machinist and was recruited directly out of trade school into the United States Air Force in 1950 at the onset of the Korean war, where he proudly served his country for 30 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1980, and then continued his education at Tom P. Haney Technical School, where he later became the instructor of the machine shop for 10 years. The "Chief", also dedicated his life in service to the church and community as an ordained minister, including many years volunteering with Meals On Wheels until he could no longer drive at the age of 85.
Richard cherished his youth growing up in the mountains of West Virginia where he spent many days and nights fishing and hunting with his family. In the mid 1960's, the physical fitness requirement in the Air Force became a lifelong passion in ultra distance running. From the local 10K to the first triathlon on Panama City Beach, to 655 miles in a 12-day race in NYC, Richard traveled the nation, dedicating himself to excellence in training, and competing, as in everything else in his life.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, brother Jackie, and sister Barbara. He is survived by his three children, Cynthia Asimenios, Howard Cozart, and Yvonne Bowen, and siblings Ann, Robert, and Stanley. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, all who were very dear to his heart.
We invite you to join us for a celebration of his life on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 2:00pm at Kent-Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery. Family will receive friends 1:00pm – 2:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Panhandle Runners, PO Box 381, Panama City, FL 32402, for a scholarship in his name.
In 1954, Richard met the love of his life Shirley and they were married in Long Beach, California on June 8th, 1958. He was a devoted husband for 62 years and proud father of three children. Richard trained as a machinist and was recruited directly out of trade school into the United States Air Force in 1950 at the onset of the Korean war, where he proudly served his country for 30 years, including a tour in Vietnam. He retired as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1980, and then continued his education at Tom P. Haney Technical School, where he later became the instructor of the machine shop for 10 years. The "Chief", also dedicated his life in service to the church and community as an ordained minister, including many years volunteering with Meals On Wheels until he could no longer drive at the age of 85.
Richard cherished his youth growing up in the mountains of West Virginia where he spent many days and nights fishing and hunting with his family. In the mid 1960's, the physical fitness requirement in the Air Force became a lifelong passion in ultra distance running. From the local 10K to the first triathlon on Panama City Beach, to 655 miles in a 12-day race in NYC, Richard traveled the nation, dedicating himself to excellence in training, and competing, as in everything else in his life.
Richard was preceded in death by his wife Shirley, brother Jackie, and sister Barbara. He is survived by his three children, Cynthia Asimenios, Howard Cozart, and Yvonne Bowen, and siblings Ann, Robert, and Stanley. He leaves behind 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, all who were very dear to his heart.
We invite you to join us for a celebration of his life on Monday, October 12, 2020 at 2:00pm at Kent-Lawn Funeral Home and Cemetery. Family will receive friends 1:00pm – 2:00pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Panhandle Runners, PO Box 381, Panama City, FL 32402, for a scholarship in his name.
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