In Memory Of
David Joseph Cozad
1935
2024
David Joseph Cozad
November 30, 1935 — May 15, 2024
It is with great sadness that we share the news that David Joseph (Joe) Cozad departed this world at 7:20 pm, Wednesday, May 15, 2024.
Joe was born November 30, 1935, to David Milford and Althea Ione Sherrill Cozad, who preceded him in death. Raised in Topeka, Kansas, he attended Topeka High School and received bachelor's degrees in music (violin performance) and music education from Washburn University. He married the late Cynthia Elizabeth Bonner on June 1, 1957. He taught music (grades K – 12) in Winchester, Kansas before moving to Kansas City to study classical guitar with Walter Fritschy and pursue graduate studies at the Conservatory of Music. He was on the Conservatory faculty for many years and was instrumental in establishing its guitar program. In later years, he taught at the University of Kansas, Penn Valley Community College, and Benedictine College. A leader in the Kansas City Guitar Society, he played an active role in bringing world renowned guitarists to Kansas City for recitals and master classes in the late sixties and early seventies. In December 2021, the St. Joseph Arts Academy honored Joe for his influential support of generations of guitar students and his gracious contribution of his sheet music and book archive to the academy. An animal lover, Joe was delighted to have been owned over the years by more dogs, cats, horses (and the occasional opossum) than can be counted on all your digits. He was a friend of Bill W for 44 consecutive years.
He is survived by his children, Kent Cozad, New York City; Kristie Cozad Richerson, Overland Park, Kansas; and Kevin Cozad (Elaine), Rogers, Arkansas; and grandchildren Matthew Richerson (Ashley Paige), Olathe, Kansas; Brian Richerson, Halsey, Nebraska; Taylor Cozad (Haley), Anderson, Missouri; and Patrick Richerson, Lawrence, Kansas; and great-grandchildren Nicholas, Warren, Vela, Crimson, Lily and Noah. A man of deep faith, he was welcomed into heaven by his parents, his devoted wife of 64 years, and his sisters, Mary Smith and Norma Cozad.
We extend our gratitude to the compassionate staff of Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care, and Trustwell Living at Mission Springs who cared for Joe and his family in his last months of life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the hospice or the ASPCA are suggested.
To share a memory of Joe or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
Joe was born November 30, 1935, to David Milford and Althea Ione Sherrill Cozad, who preceded him in death. Raised in Topeka, Kansas, he attended Topeka High School and received bachelor's degrees in music (violin performance) and music education from Washburn University. He married the late Cynthia Elizabeth Bonner on June 1, 1957. He taught music (grades K – 12) in Winchester, Kansas before moving to Kansas City to study classical guitar with Walter Fritschy and pursue graduate studies at the Conservatory of Music. He was on the Conservatory faculty for many years and was instrumental in establishing its guitar program. In later years, he taught at the University of Kansas, Penn Valley Community College, and Benedictine College. A leader in the Kansas City Guitar Society, he played an active role in bringing world renowned guitarists to Kansas City for recitals and master classes in the late sixties and early seventies. In December 2021, the St. Joseph Arts Academy honored Joe for his influential support of generations of guitar students and his gracious contribution of his sheet music and book archive to the academy. An animal lover, Joe was delighted to have been owned over the years by more dogs, cats, horses (and the occasional opossum) than can be counted on all your digits. He was a friend of Bill W for 44 consecutive years.
He is survived by his children, Kent Cozad, New York City; Kristie Cozad Richerson, Overland Park, Kansas; and Kevin Cozad (Elaine), Rogers, Arkansas; and grandchildren Matthew Richerson (Ashley Paige), Olathe, Kansas; Brian Richerson, Halsey, Nebraska; Taylor Cozad (Haley), Anderson, Missouri; and Patrick Richerson, Lawrence, Kansas; and great-grandchildren Nicholas, Warren, Vela, Crimson, Lily and Noah. A man of deep faith, he was welcomed into heaven by his parents, his devoted wife of 64 years, and his sisters, Mary Smith and Norma Cozad.
We extend our gratitude to the compassionate staff of Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care, and Trustwell Living at Mission Springs who cared for Joe and his family in his last months of life. In lieu of flowers, donations to the hospice or the ASPCA are suggested.
To share a memory of Joe or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of David Joseph Cozad, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Visitation
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
6:00 - 8:00 pm (Central time)
Penwell-Gabel - Olathe Chapel
Guestbook
Visits: 6
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