Austin Roger Cosby

Austin Roger Cosby, 94 years, 5 months, and 5 days, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, December 5, 2020 at Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital. Born June 1, 1926 in Tazewell, Tennessee, Austin was the son of the late Tilmon and Ethel (Campbell) Cosby. Austin attended Claiborne County High School. During WWII, Austin Drove a school bus, worked on the farm, and helped with the country store that his family owned. On November 23, 1946 in Middlesboro, Kentucky, Austin married his beloved wife, the former, Evelyn Loretta Campbell. They moved to Monroe in August of 1948. Austin was employed at Ford Motor Company for 30 years. He retired in 1978. After retirement, Austin worked for Anteau and Beeler Hardware and for Mercy Memorial Hospital. Austin was a member of Monroe Missionary Baptist Church for 70 years. A true pillar of the church, Austin became a Deacon on September 17, 1983. He was a member of the “JOY” nursing home ministry, sang in the church choir, and ran the sound system. He was also a member of the Sounds of Joy Community Choir. Austin enjoyed attending church, singing, music, gardening, feeding the squirrels and birds and playing board games. Austin and Loretta kept a running monthly tally of their daily Skip-Bo battles, “She always gets all the Skip-Bo’s” he would say while shuffling the cards to deal again. Most of all Austin enjoyed time spent with family. Austin is survived by his beloved wife of 74 years, Loretta, two loving daughters; Linda (Donald “Casey”) Jones and Barbara (Roger) Navarre both of Monroe, four cherished grandchildren; Donnie (Jennifer) Jones, Angie (Bill) Owens, Autumn (Chris) Collins, and Jeff Navarre, seven treasured great grandchildren; Josh, Amy, Courtney, Caitlynn, Allison, Chris, and Kaycie, and eight precious great great grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Austin was preceded in death by two brothers; Marshall and Alvis Cosby and two sisters; Betty Smith and Martha Ledford. Memorial contributions are suggested to Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, visitation and funeral services will be private. The family is planning a public memorial service at the church once the pandemic subsides. Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, Michigan, 48161, is assisting Austin’s family with funeral arrangements. Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com

Austin Roger Cosby

June 1, 1926 - December 5, 2020