Charles Alexander Cozby

Charles Alexander Cozby, age 85, passed away at noon on Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at the Avalon Care Center in Modesto, California from complications of Pneumonia and cardiac arrest. Charles was born September 18, 1927 in Gordon, Texas (Palo Pinto County) to Joseph Harry and Pearl (Massey) Cozby. The family moved to Gilbert, Arizona in 1932 where his sister, Beth was born. Charles attended grammar school there until the family moved to Los Banos, California in 1942. Charles began helping his family earn a living by working on various nearby farms. The family moved to Selma, California where Charles continued with farm work and graduated from the 8th Grade. Charles did not attend high school, instead he chose to keep working with his family. Charles enlisted in the United States Army on November 21, 1945 and is a World War II Veteran. He served as a Surgical Technician-Fifth Grade in the 34th General Hospital. Charles earned a World War II Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal for the time he served while stationed in Seoul, South Korea. Charles received his Honorable Discharge from the U.S. Army on April 9, 1947. Charles is a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) Post# 5059 in Turlock, California.

Charles met Vivian Burdan at a roller skating rink in Sanger, California. They dated and were married on November 4, 1950 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Charles was employed as a heavy equipment operator through the Teamsters Union. He performed work that helped build many local construction projects which include; The San Luis Dam, The California Aqueduct, The Interstate 5 Freeway, The Don Pedro Dam, The Exchequer Dam and many others. Charles and Vivian made their home in Turlock, where they raised their children; Alan, Bill and Cheryl Cozby. Charles and Vivian parted ways later in life, but lived nearby and celebrated life throughout the years with their children. Charles is survived by his ex-wife, Vivian Caron, sons, Alan (Tena) Cozby, Bill Cozby, daughter Cheryl Cozby and her partner, Alan Clendenin, sister Beth Shelton, granddaughters, Sarah Davis and Kelly Cozby, ex-sister-in-law, Wanda Frye, nieces, Elaine Branson, Jeannie (Louis) Emery, Pam Howard, Paulette (Bruce) Pasternack, nephews, Gary Frye, Terry Fields, and many other great nieces, nephews, and cousins. Charles is preceded in death by his parents, and brother-in-law, Charles Shelton.

A graveside service will be held at 10:30am on Friday, March 1 at Lakewood Memorial Park, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, California. There will be a reception held at the Funeral Home after the service.

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