Jack Donald Koser was born on November 8, 1919 in St. Joseph, Missouri to Mack and Sarah (Monroe) Koser. He passed away on August 18, 2021 in Bradenton, Florida.
Military
Jack served for 21 years in the United States Air Force from February 8, 1941 to June 30, 1961. He retired at the rank of Colonel and was eligible to wear two Distinguished Flying Crosses, four Air Medals, the American Campaign Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Air Force Longevity Service Award with four Oak Leaf Clusters, among others, on his uniform.
Service
A funeral service at Arlington National Cemetery is still in the process of scheduling. A funeral ceremony with take place at the Fort Myer Chapel followed by a graveside service with military honors provided by the United States Air Force Honor Guard and Chaplain.
Friends, family, and those who served with Colonel Koser are invited to share a memory and sign his guestbook below.
Col. Jack D Koser was my hero, my rock, my teacher, but most importantly, he was my father. He lived a wonderful life that was amazing and has my endless respect. He wanted to make 102 years of age but just fell a little short of that goal. As I write this I find myself at a loss of words when there is so much to be said. The words that does not escape me and never will is that I love you dad. You will always be with me in everything that I do because I am what I am because of you.
If you knew Jack Koser, you were blessed. His insight, his life stories, his quick wit and the twinkle in his eye are some of the things I will hold in my memory of him.
I am fortunate that I was able to know this amazing man. My condolences to his family.
I start by saying I meet Gdad when Mike and I started dating. I found out right off that he loved his family and had some awesome stories to tell. I will never forget the first time I was introduced to him he was so bubbly and full of life. Gdad you will be missed but never forgotten. I just want everyone to know how much I loved you and will miss all the phone calls. I want the family to know I love all of you as well and I am thinking of all of you in this sad time. What a wonderful man and he raised some wonderful children!!!! Love you Gdad!!!!
It is hard to believe that the bright light that was Jack Koser will no longer shine on his friends and family. We will all miss him but perhaps he is now a bright star in the sky that he so enjoyed soaring through, lending his light to us once again.
Jack and I met 24 years ago, living just a few blocks apart in Rockville Maryland. We immediately found a liking towards one another and enjoyed a very close relationship while he still lived in Maryland. My big regret is that we did not meet 50 years ago. I will miss you – I will miss you.
I had the privilege of meeting Jack in 1995 at a 6th Bomb Group Reunion. My father had asked me to attend for the first time and Jack was one of the outstanding gentlemen I met that put me on a long journey to get to know these men of the 6th BG. Jack was truly an outstanding guiding light to the organization but also for anyone who met him and listened to his wonderful sense of humor and enduring philosophies. Jack and I spoke on the phone every few months to compare Stock picks to further our fortunes and he always gave me great idea. The most memorable time was our privilege to attend his 100th Birthday with his immense and loving family. That occasion defined Jack Koser perfectly. You are missed immensely by all who know you, Jack Koser.
Jack,
You were the best of the best. Not only in the Air Force and later the Bendix Corp.,
but in life, too.
On a trip I had, to Europe, you introduced me to some great people. In the States,
you worked diligently on a Minnesota cousin’s project. No task too great
was your trade mark, Jack.
You were liked, admired and thought of most highly.
John Chapman was under you at Bendix in D.C. At a birthday party for
U.S. Senator Barry Goldwater, I attended with Joanne Goldwater, Barry’s
eldest child, I spotted John and his wife in the crowd. It reminded me
of Jack, once again.
As Jackie Gleason would say, “You’re the greatest!”.
Very best,
Paul Weller
My daddy. While growing up, my sun rose and set with this man. He showed me my self-worth and guided me towards a meaningful future. His children were always his priority. He delivered me from the chaos of my childhood, and sheltered me under his magnificent wing. The power of his wings ran deep, whether protecting his family, or protecting his country during a painful war. He was a hero and my hero. I’ll love you forever, my precious daddy.
Jack and Jean were my friends and landlords in 1983.
I remember how kind and honest Jack was. He was truly a lion hearted gentleman and first class officer.
We will miss him.
May we emulate his exemplary life everyday that we live.
Godspeed beloved friend!
Fletcher Birge
USAF retired contractor
Lake Arrowhead
I feel very fortunate to have known Jack for a number of years.He was always interesting to talk to and very witty.
He also possessed an amazing intellect and even toward the end of his life his mind was still sharp.My wife and I used to pick up dinner for him a lot at his favorite Vietnamese restaurant in Rockville,Md. and take it to his house.
He always had a bottle of wine ready and we enjoyed lots of Saturday dinners.Later my wife and I visited Jack in Florida after he moved down there.Always enjoyed our visits.
Now sadly both my wife and Jack have passed away but I’m sure they have renewed their friendship in Heaven.
Jack was a very accomplished man;raised 3 wonderful children and was very successful in business besides his military awards.
He also was a World War II hero-he helped save the world and we all should be grateful for that.
Jack-you’ve taken your final flight into the “beyond”.
I miss all your emails but have saved many of them in order to remember your humor and knowledge.
A life well lived!
I miss you Jack but you are now without pain and at rest.
RIP Jack!
My wife and I were fortunate to know Jack for approximately 30 years.He certainly was an accomplished man,having been a World War II hero;serving in the White House during the Truman administration; CEO of Bendix Corp. and raising 3 wonderful children.My wife sadly passed away a few years ago.We both enjoyed many dinners with Jack appreciating his vast intellect; recalling WW II adventures plus his wit and humor.You lived a great life Jack!RIP! May God’s light shine on you forever!
COL (Ret) Jack Koser was someone I knew for 30 years thru the Society of White House Military Aides for whom he was a a Trustee and I, Founding Chairman. COL Jack was a brilliant man who flew military planes early in the development of the Army Air Corps and then Air Force and served as a White Hosue military aide to fellow Missourian Harry Truman. His mind was so powerful that he remained cognizant to the end and would contact me each year in September to see how the Society and myself was doing. We were both good friends of Gene Deatrick who was a legendary Air Force pilot and friend of Barry Goldwater, and Jimmy Doolittle. Jack and Gene are not far away at Arlington, the stories they must be telling! We will miss COL Jack, a truly great man of our times. Up and away Sir!
change to White House, House misspelled. kenn