Jack Cossairt

(From Derfelt Funeral Home)

Jack Dean Cossairt, age 78, of Columbus, Kansas passed away Thursday afternoon, October 24, 2024 surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospital, Joplin, Missouri, after a valiant battle with stage 4 lung cancer. On the Tuesday prior, Jack was saved and baptized, asking Jesus Christ into his heart.

He was born March 21, 1946 to the late Earnest and Juanita (Bash) Cossairt in Columbus, Kansas. Jack graduated with the class of 1964 from CCRHS. On August 20, 1966, he married Verna McKee in Columbus, KS at her family’s home, and they celebrated 58 years of marriage.

In 1964, he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served until 1968, during which he was stationed in Norfolk, VA, and served aboard the USS Lindenwald, and the USS Wood County, as well as serving a couple of years in the US Navy Reserves. Jack worked at Louis’ Grocery Store and International Harvester in Columbus, KS before going to work at Eagle Picher Industries in Joplin, MO. He worked for 38 years for Empire District as a lab tech, in Riverton, KS, Asbury, MO, and then Joplin, MO. 

Throughout his various employments, Jack was always active on the family farm, beekeeping, and enjoying his Belgium and Clydesdale horses which were locally famous, appearing in all of the local parades in Southeast Kansas. Along with a team of horses, Jack was honored to use the wagon to transport three dear friends as they made their journey to their final resting place. Jack and Verna kept draft horses for over 30 years, and for several years, enjoyed hosting an annual Plow Day, when friends would bring teams of draft horses and mules to the farm. Those who came to Plow Day enjoyed Verna's Huge Dutch ovens full of beans and cobblers, and Jack would serve coffee to everyone from right over the campfire. He was president of the Columbus Saddle Club in 1980; served on the Farm Bureau Board; acted as president of Rural Water District #4; and Treasurer of the Crawford Township. 

Jack and Verna taught an outdoor living class at the high school, and farm tour showing bees and horses. Jack, Verna, and their horses participated in Earth Day, and proms, Columbus Days, and George Washington Carver. A beekeeper for 20 years, he mentored several beekeepers, and was instrumental in starting the Cherokee County Beekeepers Association. He was quite literally considered a “Jack” of all trades. Jack was always helping somebody, and he touched so many lives over the years with his involvement in a wide array of community activities. His most recent entry in the Columbus Day Parade was his bright red 1934 pick-up truck. His family was his pride and joy, and "Papa Jack" loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Gwendolyn Cantrell.

Surviving Jack are his wife Verna, of the home; two sons: Randy Cossairt (wife Sarah) of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, and Scott Cossairt of Columbus, KS; grandchildren: Jessica Moyer (husband Colton) of Columbus, KS, Clayton Cossairt (wife Morgan) of Riverton, KS, Levi Cossairt of Joplin, MO, Dakota Cossairt of Cassville, MO, Bailey Rouse of Joplin, MO, and Kayla Cossairt of Joplin, MO; great-grandchildren: Mackinley, Scarlett, and Autumn Cossairt of Joplin, MO, Waylon and Macy Moyer of Columbus, KS, Reagan Cossairt of Riverton, KS, Jack Rouse of Joplin, MO, and one more on the way; two brothers: Lee Cossairt of Columbus, KS, and Ray Cossairt, of Chattanooga, TN; two sisters: Marilyn Morris of Columbus, KS, and Sally Atwood (husband John) of Duvall, WA, and a host of nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Jack's Life will be held at Derfelt Funeral Home, Monday October 28, 2024 at Derfelt Funeral Home of Columbus, KS. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral on Monday from 1:00-2:30 PM. Burial will be at Park Cemetery in Columbus, KS. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made payable to the Cherokee County Beekeepers Association, which will be used to fund scholarships for future beekeepers, a cause dear to Jack's heart. Donations may be left in care of the funeral home.