William “Bill” Henry Cossairt

William "Bill" Henry Cossairt, 99, of Emporia, Kansas, passed away on June 16th 2021 at the Holiday Resort Care Center in Emporia. Bill was born on February 22nd, 1922, in Eldorado, KS to Lester and Byra Cossairt, now deceased.

He is survived by his Wife of 39 years, Jestie Cossairt and his Children Cindy (Ron) Anderson of Grandbury TX and Bilinda (Jeff) Hulse of Rockport, TX. Stepchildren Janice (Dan) Byrd of Pleasant Hill, MO, Joyce Knight of Columbia Falls, MT, Janelle (Tim) Norton of Topeka, KS, Dallas Knight of Hudson, FL and Jane (Daniel) Neill of Emporia, KS.  He has 64 Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Virginia Blanc, daughter Anita Barrett, son-in-law Lee Barrett, sister Marjori Havious, brother Don Smith, stepson Terry Knight, step-grandson Jacob Osage, and step-granddaughter Stacie Parsons.

Bill served in World War II from 1942 to 1946 piloting the Martin B-26 Marauder twin engine bomber.  He was commander of the VFW from 1980 to 1981, member of the American Legion, an automobile salesperson for many years, and worked for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Bill enjoyed playing golf at the Oak Country Golf Club where he won awards.  He enjoyed going to baseball games with family, playing cards with family, and fishing with grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at the Emporia VFW on July 10th 2021 at 2:00 pm.