David Charles "Animal" Kozel

David Charles “Animal” Kozel, 68, of Chase, Kansas, passed away February 16, 2025, at his home. He was born January 15, 1957, in Salina, Kansas, the son of Charles Edward and Doris Lea (VanZandt) Kozel. David has resided in Chase for the past thirty years, formerly of Rogers, Arkansas, and Lyons, Kansas. He graduated from Lyons High School, with the class of 1975. David drove truck for Jack Engelland, Lyons, KS, Bar H Trucking, Marion, KS, Branson Truck Line, Lyons, KS, 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, KS; three children, Jeremy Kozel and wife Becky of Lyons, KS, Marsha Belk and husband Jimmy of Chase, KS, and Sam Kozel of Yukon, OK; brother, Larry Kozel of AR; 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. David had a great passion for cars, especially the Tri-Fives. He loved cruising and car shows and racing. In David's honor, his family and friends are going to cruise with him. Please join us for a cruise and fellowship honoring David's aka Animal! Meet April 27, 2025  at the Rice County Courthouse Square, 101 W. Commercial St., Lyons, KS 67554. Start the morning at 9:00 A.M., with a meet and greet then cruise. Finish the morning at Workman Park, Lyons, for lunch and more social time. Meat, table service and a drink will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert. To RSVP or for questions: contact Jeanie @ (620)680-0097 or Becky @ (620)680-0130.  Memorials may be given to Birzer Funeral Home, Lyons.

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