John David Hosey

John David Hosey was born on February 11, 1935, in Birmingham, Alabama, to Bessie Mae Saunders and Fred Hosey Sr. After his parents’ divorce, his father married Elton Martha Cutshaw Hosey, who lovingly helped raise John until he was 16 years old. John was the youngest of five children: Amos Hosey, Willis “Bill” Hosey, Robert E. Lee Hosey, John David Hosey, and his sister, Better Louise Hosey.

At just 16 years old, John entered the United States Army after bravely overstating his age in order to serve his country. While traveling by Greyhound bus to Seattle on his way to deploy to Korea, he met a beautiful young woman with waist-length red hair who immediately captured his heart. A simple lunch together was enough to begin a love story that would span more than seven decades. John David Hosey married Lavon “Sandy” Sandell on June 6, 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Logan Utah Temple in 1963. Their marriage endured for over 70 years.

John and Sandy began their life together as a proud military family. Throughout John’s 29-year Army career, they moved every three to four years, living on two continents and in six states. In 1962, they adopted their son James David (known as David). While stationed in eastern France, they were blessed with another opportunity to adopt — welcoming their daughter Katawnna Lee from Germany in 1964. Their family continued to grow with the birth of their son Adam Leight in 1965 and their daughter Leilani Jean in 1967, completing their family.

John retired from the United States Army in 1983 with the permanent rank of E-7 SFC. His distinguished service earned him numerous military commendations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, and Purple Heart — a testament to his courage and dedication.

After retiring from the military, John and Sandy settled in Seattle, Washington, returning to their roots. John began a second career with the United States Postal Service, where he worked faithfully until retiring in 1997.

Although John left high school early to serve his country, education remained important to him. In 2016, he proudly received his honorary high school diploma through the Edmonds School District’s Veterans Diploma Program, graduating from Edmonds Woodway High School, Edmonds WA, alongside his granddaughter, Morgan Leighton — a moment of deep pride for their family.

John was an avid hunter who loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping. He and Sandy also shared a lifelong love of bowling. He was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and lived a life rooted in faith, service, and family.

John passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 31, 2026, at the age of 90.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Lavon “Sandy” Hosey; his sons, John David Hosey Jr. and James David Hosey; and his siblings. He is survived by his children: Katawnna (Richard) Clark, Adam (Ludora) Hosey, and Leilani (Michael) Leighton; his grandchildren Amanda Holman; Andrew and Alec Clark; Ryan, Tyler, Brandon, Aaron, and Emma Hosey; and Patrick and Morgan Leighton; and his great-grandchildren Reese, Harper, and Hadley Holman; Timber Hope; and Danica, Adalisa, and Wyatt Leighton.

Thursday, March 5th – Public Viewing Public visitation from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Floral Hills Cemetery in 409 Filbert Rd, Lynnwood, WA 98036 to allow any friends and family to pay their respects and offer support.

March 6 Funeral with Military Honors

Public viewing will be held from 10 am- 11:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 7910 NE 132nd St. Kirkland, WA 98034.

John Hosey will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Cemetery in Lynnwood, WA with full military honors. Graveside service will be at 3:00 PM

Memorial donations may be made to:

Heroes Café, 5115 153rd Place SW, Edmonds, WA 98024 (210-882-0235) Heroes-café.org