03/27/2025
We are saddened to share that Paul Gene Cossey Jr., 88, of Carthage, Missouri, passed away on March 25, 2025, at home, after a long battle with cancer. Born on May 20, 1936, to Dick and Lois (Moreland) Cossey in Carthage, Paul was the oldest of two children. He built a strong, hardworking family rooted in love on their farm outside of Alba, Missouri.
Paul attended Garden Dell and Alba High School, following that he married his sweetheart, Norma Jean Smith, on February 28, 1953. He spent the next several years farming and running a Grade A dairy. During this time, he became a proud father to five children: Debbie, Randy, Linda, Terry, and Kelly. He instilled in them a strong work ethic, a love for the land, and a deep sense of family.
In 1976, Paul started working for Great Plains Pipeline, a job he truly enjoyed. Later, he transitioned to Harpole Construction, as a pipeline job supervisor. In 2016, he left life on the road to spend his remaining years at home with his loving wife, family, and farm.
Paul was a proud member of the Carthage Masonic Lodge, where he was a Master Mason for over 60 years. The values of brotherhood, integrity, and service that he embraced as a Mason were reflected in the way he lived his life—always lending a helping hand, sharing wisdom, and staying true to his word.
Paul Gene loved a good party and never missed a chance to gather with family and friends. He had a passion for farming and raised beef cattle right up until his passing, sharing that love with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. One of his favorite traditions was the annual pheasant hunting trip—an event he rarely missed—where family time and good memories were always guaranteed. Family was everything to Paul and Norma, and that legacy lives on through the yearly camping trips and loud, joyful holiday gatherings that continue to bring everyone together.
With a smile on his face and a crude joke always ready, Paul kept everyone on their toes and made sure no gathering was without laughter. His great-grandkids knew they could always count on "Poppy" to keep them stocked up on candy and soda pop while encouraging them to be as spoiled as possible. No one ever left his house without hearing him say, “Come back” and “take care of those kids.”
Paul is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Norma (Smith) Cossey; his son, Terry Cossey; and his brother-in-law, Elroy Jones.
He leaves behind his sister, Diane (Cossey) Jones; his son, Randy Cossey (Pam) of Carthage; three daughters, Debbie Lee (Gary) and Kelly Lee (Brent) of Carthage, and Linda Epperson (Rob) of Webb City, and a daughter-in-law, Teresa Cossey. He was blessed with many grandchildren: Gary Wayne Lee (Tresha), Carly Donn Webster, Karrie Jackson (Kyle), Randy Cossey (Stormi), Chance Lee (Stephanie), Dusty Epperson (Jess), Chelsey Hood (Chance), Dalton Cossey (Chyenne), Austin Cossey (Sara), Caitin Dewald (Jeff), and Taylor Cossey. His great-grandchildren include: Samantha and Tucker, Kierra and Corbin, Ashlynn, Brody, Zoiee, Harlee, Waylon, Carl, Avari, Case, Haven, Lili, Khross, Khrayton, Cedar, Summit, Harbor, and Paxton. He was also blessed with great-great-grandchildren: Corbyn, Berklee, Markus, Bexlee, and Elliee. Memorial contributions can be made to Fairview Friends Cemetery.
Visitation
Friday, March 28, 2025
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Graveside Service
Saturday, March 29, 2025
11:00 AM
Fairview Friends cemetery
Locust Road
Carthage, MO 64836
