(Mar. 20, 2006)
David R. Cozzens died Monday, March 20, 2006, in North Big Horn Hospital in Lovell after years of poor health.
He was 84.
He was born Aug. 1, 1921, in Byron to Matt and Marybelle (Robison) Cozzens, the next to the youngest of 10 children. His parents and grandparents on both sides were pioneers sent to the Big Horn Basin in 1900 to settle.
He attended schools in Byron and was inducted into the Army in 1942. After 18 months, he left the Army as a tech sergeant with an honorable medical discharge. He returned to the Big Horn Basin, where he drove truck and worked for Nicholls & Lewis and Lovell Clay Products for many years and after retirement, he was a watchman for Great Western. He was known as a horseman, as he owned horses most of his life, and as an expert handler. He was also known for his stories and sense of humor. He was a keen observer of people and had an impeccable memory of folks and events.
Dave and his wife of 60 years, Frankie, lived most of their life together in Cowley. They raised three children, David, Leslie and Andrea. David's daughter, Lindsay, and Leslie's daughter, Jensen, brightened his life with their companionship and accomplishments.
He was a resident of the New Horizons Care Center since January 2005. He enjoyed visits from friends and family and the care and camaraderie of the caregivers at the center. He was a lifelong member of the LDS church.
He is survived by his wife, Frankleen (Frankie); son, David (Donna) of Laramie; two daughters, Leslie (Steve) Davies of Rock Springs and Andrea of Cody; two granddaughters, Lindsay of New York and Jensen of New York; one sister, Avon Brown of Bakersfield, Calif.; two sisters-in-law, Bernice Cozzens of Powell and Dorothy Cozzens of Byron; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by three infant children; his parents; four brothers, Solon, Fay, Lou and Myron; and four sisters, Zula, Lydia, Genevieve and Marybelle.
Funeral services were Saturday, March 25 at the Cowley LDS Church. Burial followed at the Byron Cemetery. Haskell Funeral Home in Lovell handled arrangements.