Frank Walter Kozdras

Frank W. Kozdras passed away Sunday, September 8th, 2024, peacefully at his home in Jacksonville. Frank is survived by his spouse, Sue Nichols Kozdras; a daughter, Amy (Jimmy) McCord; sons, Mike (Wendy), David (Mari) and Scott (Diane) Komegay; grandchildren, Matthew (Sara) Kozdras, Nikolas (Kaleigh) Kozdras, Samantha Kozdras, Garrett Kozdras, Cassidy (Chris) Komatz, Dylan (Megan) McCord, Mandi (Sam) Shiver, Josh (Ashley) Warrior and Nathan Carns; ten great-grandchildren; and sisters, Norene (Tom) Morrisey and Dr. Cynthia (Dave) Popovich. He was pre-deceased by his father and mother, Walter and Dorothy Kozdras.

Frank was born on May 9th, 1939, in McKeesport, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of McKeesport High School in 1957. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from California State Teachers College in California. Frank served 32 years in the US Air Force, retiring at the rank of Colonel. He received his aeronautical rating, class #63, the first all-jet program in the Air Force. He then flew tactical refueling tankers, trainer jets, and jet fighters before receiving wing level command assignments and receiving 13 Air Force and Air National Guard awards and decorations. Frank was the first commander of the 202nd Combat Engineering Squadron (REDHORSE) located at Camp Blanding. Upon retirement, he worked as a strategic planner for the Department of Military Affairs of Florida. He also served as a past president or Chairman of the Board of Camp Blanding Museum and Historical Association. He was a life member of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), The American Legion, VFW, Florida National Guard Foundation, Civil Engineers Association, and National Guard Officer’s Association (NGOA) of Florida. Frank was a member of Bartram Baptist Church.

A memorial service for Frank will be held Monday, September 16, 2024 at 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207 with a reception to follow. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, September 25, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM at Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32218.