John William Cogdall III

John William (Bill) Cogdall III, 98, of Sun City West, AZ passed away peacefully on June 27, 2023. Bill was born on November 12, 1924 to John William Cogdall II and Faye Sipes Cogdall in Great Bend, Kansas.

After graduating from Great Bend High School, Bill worked for Boeing manufacturing aircraft in Wichita, KS during WWII. In 1943, Bill was accepted into the Army Air Corps cadet program to study as an aircraft engineer until 1945. After leaving the Army Air Corps, he moved to California to attend Woodbury University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management in 1948. Bill’s first job was working for a flooring distributor, which took him to Portland, OR. There he created a successful homebuilding business and, after 18 years, founded Contract Furnishing Mart. CFM became a leading flooring wholesaler in three states creating a legacy for his family to carry on.

In 1950, Bill met Joyce Derrig. They were married a year later at Faith Lutheran Church in Portland. They had three children and enjoyed bridge, camping and dancing in their active social life. The two traveled in their retirement years until Joyce passed in 2003. Bill, then living in Arizona, was lucky enough to find love again with Jeana Petersen, whom he met through mutual friends. Jeana and Bill were married on November 22, 2006, joining two wonderful families. They traveled the world together visiting Greece, Japan, China, Russia and Jeana’s favorite, Africa. Bill was active in Unity Church, Rotary Club where he was named a Paul Harris Fellow, Briarwood Country Club, and in his Sun City West community. He was generous of heart and sponsored the college education of three young men in Kenya, among other philanthropies. In his free time, he loved to cook, drive fast cars, golf and fish. Bill was a devoted husband and father. He leaves a large family whom he cherished.

Bill was predeceased by first wife Joyce Derrig Cogdall and grand-daughter Lacey Ann Cogdall. He is survived by wife Jeana Petersen and his three children: son Mike Cogdall of Seattle, WA, son Bill Cogdall IV and his wife Lynda of North Plains, OR, and daughter Ann Cogdall Bechtold and her husband Tim of West Linn, OR. He leaves behind 7 grandchildren: Kelly (and husband Ron), Matt A. (and wife Gina), Matt B. (and wife Whitney), Ryan (and wife Caitlin), Alex (and wife Amy), Torie (and husband Brett), and Heidi Sussman. He is also survived by 17 great-grandchildren. Bill also leaves behind Jeana’s family with whom he was very close: daughter Pam (and husband David), son Dave (and wife Clare), son Mick (and wife Pam), son Mark, 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He also leaves many other dear friends and his sweet dog Roxy.

A Celebration of Life will take place at the Unity Spiritual Center of Sun City on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at 11:00AM. A luncheon reception is to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International, and Unity of Phoenix Spiritual Center.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sunlandmemorial.com for the Cogdall family.