CHASE — David Charles ‘Animal’ Kozel, 68, of Chase, Kan., passed away Feb. 16, 2025, at his home. He was born Jan. 15, 1957, in Salina, Kan., the son of Charles Edward and Doris Lea (VanZandt) Kozel. David has resided in Chase for the past 30 years, formerly of Rogers, Ark., and Lyons, Kan. He graduated from Lyons High School, with the class of 1975.
David drove truck for Jack Engelland, Lyons, Kan., Bar H Trucking, Marion, Kan., Branson Truck Line, Lyons, Kan., and for Lloyd Burnside. He enjoyed restoring antique cars, and attending car shows and cruises, and most of all spending time with his family. On April 27, 1975, David was united in marriage with Wanda “Jeanie” Burnside in Lyons.
David is survived by his wife, Jeanie of Chase; mother, Doris Kozel of Ellsworth, Kan.; three children, Jeremy Kozel and wife Becky of Lyons, Kan., Marsha Belk and husband Jimmy of Chase, Kan., and Sam Kozel of Yukon, Okla.; brother, Larry Kozel of Arkansas; and three grandchildren, Austin Kozel, Walon Belk, and Carter Kozel. David is preceded in death by his father, Charles Kozel; brother, Ron Kozel; and granddaughter, Avery Belk.
There will be a car cruise in April to celebrate David’s life. Memorials may be given to Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.
Funeral arrangements provided by
Birzer Funeral Homes
214 West Ave. South
Lyons, KS 67554
Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 20, 2025