William L. Cozine

William L. “Bill” Cozine, 84, co-owner of Cozine Memorial Group, passed away peacefully on December 23, 2024.

Bill was born on April 28, 1940, in Wichita, Kansas. Early in his youth, he spent time between Wichita and Eagle Nest, New Mexico, where his parents operated the Laguna Vista Lodge during tourist season. It was in New Mexico that Bill was surrounded by the inspirational outdoors, and his fascination for cowboys, Indians, and the rugged West took shape. This experience infused in him a love for adventure, and he relished fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping, and outdoor cooking, all of which continued throughout his life. 

Bill graduated in 1958 from Wichita East High. He served as president of the student body and was a proud Blue Ace his entire life. He loved reconnecting with his fellow classmates at reunions. Following high school, he attended the University of Kansas and then the University of Wichita, where he graduated in 1962 with a bachelor's degree in political science. While in college, he was an active member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. Years later, he was proud to see his son, Ashley, and grandson, Elliott, follow in his footsteps as Phi Delts. 

Upon graduating from college, Bill attended Washburn Law School in Topeka, Kansas. After the unexpected death of his father’s business partner, Dick Morris Sr., Bill left law school to attend Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science. Around this same time, he married his Robinson Middle School 8th grade sweetheart, Suzy, and the two began what would become a marriage for over 61 years. 

Upon graduation from mortuary school, Bill joined his father as a second-generation funeral director at Broadway Mortuary in 1964 and worked in funeral service until he retired due to health concerns in 2019. His faith in the Lord was put into practice as a funeral director serving grieving families and friends in the community. He viewed his life’s work, first and foremost, as a ministry, and it was reflected in the care and compassion in which he served others. His life verse was Colossians 3:23-24, “Whatever you are doing, work at it with enthusiasm, as to the Lord and not for people, because you know that you will receive your inheritance from the Lord as the reward.”

His dedication to the funeral profession was evident as he brought renowned speakers to Wichita in the 1980s, sharing wisdom with pastors, caregivers, and medical and hospice personnel on how to effectively support those grieving. Bill not only spoke to various groups about death and dying, but also, he fostered an environment of understanding around this delicate subject. In 1993, his son, Ashley, followed in his footsteps, becoming a third-generation funeral director in the family business. In 1995, they purchased land in northeast Wichita and developed Kensington Gardens cemetery. 

Bill was recognized as a Certified Funeral Service Practitioner by the Academy of Professional Funeral Service Practice, and he was among the first group of individuals in the nation to achieve the title of Certified Crematory Operator from the National Funeral Directors Association. His dedication to the profession was acknowledged further when he was appointed by Governor Brownback to the Kansas State Board of Mortuary Arts, where he served as president. 

Bill was especially proud when his grandson, Hillard, joined the family business as a fourth-generation funeral director in 2022.

Bill's creativity flowed abundantly in every facet of his life. Whether photography, landscaping, sculpting with clay, needlepoint, leatherwork, carpentry, metalwork, or even home remodeling, he loved to design, create, and build. His creativity was truly inspiring to others and reflected his spirited enthusiasm for life.

Everyone who knew Bill was also familiar with his quick wit and sense of humor. This added to his ability to relate to others on various levels. Bill truly knew no stranger.

Bill's love for his community shone brightly through his many contributions to Wichita. He was a founding member of the Wichita Wagonmasters and served as Admiral Windwagon Smith VIII in 1981. He played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Wichita River Festival and served as the president of Wichita Festivals, Inc., during the vibrant bicentennial celebration in 1976. His commitment to serving extended to several organizations, including the Salvation Army, Wichita Independent Business Association, Wichita Sister Cities, Grumpy Old Men, and the Wichita Downtown Rotary. Bill’s faith also led him to serve as a church elder, deacon, and Sunday-school teacher for many years.

A dedicated and loving family man, Bill leaves behind his beloved wife, Suzy Cozine, as well as a deeply cherished family that includes his son, Ashley Cozine, and his wife, Carolyn, and daughter, Heather Joel, and her husband, Phil. He was the proud grandfather of Hadley, Hillard, Elsa, Elliott, Jenson, and Graham Cozine and Phynley and Eden Joel. His grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as “Poppy,” brought him immense joy and pride. Bill is also survived by his nieces, Angela Marquardt and her husband, Brent, and Tiffany Reynolds, and his cousins, Kim Burnett and his wife, Carol, Rhys Burnett, and Blane Burnett.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, Jack Cozine, mother, Nana Burnett Cozine, sister, Jaclynn Reynolds, and brother-in-law, Ron Reynolds. 

A visitation/reception with family and friends will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, January 2, at the Cozine Life Events Center. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, January 3, at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. 

Memorials have been established with the Salvation Army, 350 N. Market, Wichita, KS 67202, HopeNet, 2501 E. Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67214, and the Funeral Service Foundation, 13625 Bishop’s Dr, Brookfield, WI 53005.

Bill’s spirit will forever resonate in the lives he touched, and the memories shared with all who knew him. 

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