William “Bill” Cozad, 82, of Warrensburg, Missouri, passed away on August 21, 2026, at the Missouri Veterans Home. He was born January 21, 1944, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to Frank Harold Cozad and Burma (Hawks) Cozad.
If you knew Bill, chances are you heard a good story about his love of family and friends, road trips, good food, and his cherished 1920 novelty hot rod.
Bill graduated from Penney High School in Hamilton, Missouri, in 1962. He served honorably for 22 years in the Missouri Air National Guard and the Army National Guard. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Bill called Johnson County home for more than 50 years. Known for his kind heart, easygoing nature, and love of conversation, he built a life centered around family, friendships, and the hobbies he enjoyed most, from tractor pulls to car shows to swap meets. He married Jackie (Colster) Cozad in 1971, and together they shared almost 30 years of marriage until her passing in 2001. In 2012, he married Jane Ellen (Jones) Cozad, and they shared the next 14 years together.
Bill was a 40-year member of the Elks Lodge and a past president of the Warrensburg Wheels Car Club.
Bill is survived by his wife, Jane Ellen Cozad; children Cindy Cozad, Andrea (Matt) Leland, and Stephen (Amanda) Cozad; stepchildren Jesse Jones, Daniel (Marilyn) Jones, and Hilary Kesinger; grandchildren Ida and Heidi Leland, Karli (Adam) Cope, Kole Conard, Keara Blum, Spencer and Milo Jones, Savannah Kline, and Addy and Aiden Black; and many other cherished family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Harold Cozad and Burma (Hawks) Cozad and his wife, Jackie (Colster) Cozad.
Memorial services will take place on Friday, September 4, at 12:30 p.m. at Williams Funeral Home in Warrensburg, followed by services at the Missouri Veterans Cemetery at Higginsville at 3:00 p.m.
Friends and family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life at the Warrensburg Elks Lodge on Friday, September 4, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Casual car show attire is welcomed.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Bill's memory to the Missouri Veterans Assistance League in Warrensburg.
Bill will be remembered for his stories, sense of humor, kindness, and love of family and friends. When you see a classic car cruising down the road, give a friendly wave in Bill’s honor.
