Lloyd Neale Cosby

Lloyd Neale Cosby, Colonel, US Army (Ret.) February 3, 1933 – June 4, 2017 Neale's life began on a farm near Lancaster, KY and ended peacefully with his beloved wife, Dorothy (Dot) Schwengel Cosby, by his side. He grew up on the Cosby family farm on Dry Branch Road in Fayette County, attended Forest Hill School in Madison County and graduated from Athens High School. He went on to the University of Kentucky, where he earned a B.S. in Agricultural Economics in 1955, the first of several academic achievements. He also played basketball at UK under the legendary coach, Adolph Rupp. Neale often remarked that Rupp had a profound positive influence on his life. He received his commission as a Second Lieutenant, US Army on September 24, 1955. Neale had a distinguished 30-year Army career, notably Platoon Leader of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery; he served two tours with distinction in Vietnam as advisor in the 7th ARVN Division and then Commander, 2nd Battalion of the 502nd Infantry, 101st Airborne Division. His military awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit; Bronze Star with "V" device for Heroism; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal with "V" and "2" Devices; Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Service Star; Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross; Combat Infantryman Badge with Star; and Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Identification Badge. Neale's commitment to the Tomb led to him to be a founding father of the Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In retirement, Neale worked tirelessly with his close friends Dr. John Hamre, General Claude M. Kicklighter and Richard Azzaro planning the commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to be held on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in the year 2021. Neale remarked "I believe that the Tomb represents the sacrifices of prior generations and those who are willing to give the blood and fortune for freedom and democracy in the future". Neale was passionate about personnel training and advancing the science and technology of ground warfare, and that passion guided his Army career and assignments and inspired a quest for continuing education. Neale graduated from the Naval Command and Staff College and the Army War College and earned Master of Science degrees in International Affairs (George Washington University) and Public Administration (Shippensburg State University) and served as Director of Training Development and Commander of the Army Research Institute. Among his many professional colleagues, he regarded General Paul F. Gorman as his military mentor, having served four tours together In retirement from active duty, Neale continued these professional pursuits, working for 20 years with the Institute for Defense Analyses, where he innovated and directed the Advanced Simulation Technology Facility and Virtual Simulation Center. For 10 years, he served as a mentor and independent consultant for numerous projects for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), with which he was involved until age 83. Multiple non-profit organizations also benefitted from his sound counsel, most notably the United States Capitol Historical Society where he served on the board and as treasurer; Belmont Bay Community Association Inc.; the Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier; and Bush Hill Presbyterian Church. Multiple non-profit organizations benefitted immeasurably from his leadership and sound counsel. These include United States Capitol Historical Society (Board Member and Treasurer), Belmont Bay Community Association Inc. (Vice President), the Society of the Honor Guard Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and Bush Hill Presbyterian Church. He was also a member of numerous private and professional organizations, including the University of Kentucky Alumni Association; the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity; the Association of the United States Army (AUSA); the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA); the Army and Air Force Mutual Aid Association (AAFMAA); the Veterans of Foreign Wars; the National Infantry Association; and the Old Guard Association (TOGA). Neale was a leader of soldiers, but more importantly a leader of a devoted family, and his most cherished titles were husband, father and granddad. In 1960 Neale married his one and only true love, Dorothy (Dot) Schwengel, whose father was a United States Congressman from Iowa serving in Washington, D.C. Dot was working for Vice President Richard Nixon in Washington, and Neale was serving as Platoon Leader of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Neale was predeceased by his parents, Lloyd Wilson Cosby and Edna Walker Pigg; his sister, Tempist Cosby Currens; and his brothers, Charles Nelson Cosby and Melvin Shearer Cosby. He is survived by his loving wife, Dot, and leaves an indelible imprint on his two sons, Cameron (Michele) and Scott (Kara); four "perfect" grandchildren, Caitie, Ellie, Cole, and Blaine; nephew, Robert Schwengel (Betsy); Sister-in-law, Bonnie Cosby; his aunt Burdetta Brown; many nieces, nephews and cousins; and dear friend, Brown Sharp, whom he knew since they were walk-ons in 1951 to Coach Rupp's NCAA National Championship Wildcat's team. His quiet pride in the stands of grandkids' school and sporting events was only surpassed by his joy of watching family and friends gather and have fun with water activities and watching eagles soar at his home overlooking Belmont Bay in Mason Neck, VA. His presence in his grandchildren's lives has had a profound ripple effect, and he set an enduring example for countless families of integrity, sacrifice, citizenship, generosity, and most importantly, kindness. He will be remembered by all as a true gentleman. He achieved his life goal of providing his children and grandchildren a better start in life than he experienced on the tobacco farm, but it was his human wealth that he treasured above all else.

Tributes

Lloyd Neale Cosby

February 3, 1933 - June 4, 2017