Wade Cozart

Mr. Wade H. Cozart was a loving son, caring brother, father, grandfather, nephew, uncle, cousin, friend and mentor to many. He transitioned from this life on Saturday, June 24, 2023, at the age of 56. He was born on September 8, 1966, in Kansas City, MO, to Elzata L. Nelson and Louie Ashley, Jr. although raised by stepfather, Danny L. Nelson, Sr., “Big Danny.” At an early age, he moved to Evanston, IL where he was raised by his great aunt, Inola Mathews “MeMe.” When Wade became a teen, he relocated back to Kansas City, MO until his untimely death.

Wade, was affectionately known as “Boo” started his education at Kensington Elementary and Northeast Middle School. In high school he met the love of his life and soul mate, Melinda Taylor where they both graduated from Northeast High School, Class of 84. While in high school, he was fascinated with all aspects of automobiles, where he enjoyed and was proficient in working car mechanics. Wade enjoyed listening to all types of music, was an avid skater, participated in local team sports and loved to travel. At the age of 13, Wade started his first job at Italian Gardens Restaurant, where he worked for five years as a Waiter and ended as Valet Supervisor. By this experience, he learned the value of money and birthed a lifelong career work ethic. He would later gain employment with Time Warner Cable, working 15 years as a Technician. His interest in automobiles would ultimately lead into operating and training in the trucking industry. Wade went on to further his career with Carter Energy Corporation where he worked for 15 years specializing in operating tankers hauling hazardous materials (HAZMATs). After completion of his education, training and achievements, he received a Chauffeur License, Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), HAZMATs Certification and License.

Wade accepted Christ at an early age while attending Greater Mount Zion MBC under the leadership of the late Reverend Albert Colbert. On April 4, 2014, he rededicated his life to Christ and became a member of Concord Fortress of Hope Church under the leadership of Pastor Ronald R. Lindsay where he served as a member of the Men-in-Action Ministry.

At the pivotal point of becoming a father, he learned to nurture his children and granddaughter, support them in all situations on every level of their lives and most importantly he loved them unconditionally. They were all his “Treasures.” Wade, referred to his sons, Wade and Montell, as “King I and King II”, and taught them to be strong, prideful and courageous Cozart men. He was very infectious in teaching his “Dudes” how to play sports, how to box, have self-preservation and to protect the women in their lives. Wade referred to his daughter Brianna (Bri) as “Queen” and his granddaughter, Quayae (Yae) as “Princess.” With his sensitive nature, he taught his “Baby Girls” to always be ladies of pride, demonstrate respect for themselves, and to never be afraid to set goals and reach for the stars. He shared with all of his “Treasures” to never be afraid to pray and share the desires of their hearts with God and to love and honor The Lord.

Wade also had a special love for his extended family. He was a sound mentor to his brother, nephews, nieces, and to many friends. Wade’s character and determination to succeed helped shape and mold him into a compassionate soul. He demonstrated this and while working in the Men-in-Action, a ministry that supports giving back, commissioned to teach and witness to unsaved souls (young generation/men) about Christ, Our Savior and also to conduct outreach and mentorship to those in the community. Reflections of Life

He leaves to cherish his memory: his loving mother; Elzata L. Nelson, his treasures; Wade Q. Cozart, Montell H. Cozart, Brianna E. Cozart, and granddaughter; Quayae A. Cozart. His maternal siblings; Remona L. Hooker, Shelonda L. Nelson, and Danny L. Nelson. Paternal siblings; Cedric Ashley (Regina), Sondra Lyons (Garry), Bonita Ashley Carter (Byron), Louie Ashley III (Lavoris), Crystal Ashley, and Victor Ashley (Hope). A host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and special aunt and uncle, Cassandra Cozart (Aunt Sandy) and William Cozart (Uncle Man). He also leaves, his soul-mate Melinda Taylor “Lynn-His Keeper.”