Lewis Ivory Cogdell Jr., fondly called Peter and Junior, was born February 21, 1950, to Lewis and Eva Cogdell Sr, in New Bern, NC; the third of ten children. Growing up, he had a fun childhood and was well liked.

Exuding confidence at an early age, Lewis left home, in 1967, at age 17, for the Job Corp, in Kentucky.  Months later he met future wife, Ms. Sherri Yvonne Jenkins, also in the Job Corp, from a Missouri branch, at a dance held for the different branches. Many letters and phone calls followed.

After Job Corp completion, Mr. Cogdell enlisted in the US Navy, as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, from March 19, 1968 to October 18, 1972; stationed at the Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas.

On Monday, January 19, 1970, Lewis and Sherri were joined together in marriage, and soon after honorable service, they settled in Spencer, Oklahoma. Three children were born to this union. They were married over 52 years, before her passing in August 2022.

Established in Christianity and faith, from an early age, strong beliefs guided his life and leadership. He prayed for his family daily; maintained close ties with family in New Bern and the east coast. Known also as Cosmo, he was a true friend, with a circle of true friends, who helped others build, rebuild, repair, etc. A man of many talents and a trusted source of knowledge and guidance.

Lewis was adventurous and enjoyed life, with a hat for every season of it!  He amassed a music collection large enough to operate an oldies but goodies radio station. He was a semi- pro photographer, who drove sports cars and rode motorcycles. Played dominoes while shooting the breeze. He also was a wordsmith, that greatly enjoyed crossword puzzles.

Mr. Cogdell, also known as Big Step, owned and operated Cogdell Trucking, for many years and afterward returned to civil service, as an Aircraft Mechanic, at Tinker Airforce Base. Then retired, as he planned.

Lewis, very peacefully and with a smile, departed this life on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the home of his sister, Mary, in New Bern, NC.

His devoted wife, parents, two brothers, three sisters, one granddaughter and one great- granddaughter, proceeded him, in death.  Without question, Dad is present with the Lord.

Mr. Cogdell leaves to cherish his memories, two sons: Lewis M. Cogdell (Chrstina), of Georgetown, TX and Travis I. Cogdell of Oklahoma City, Ok. One daughter: Alisha R. Houston of Houston, TX; ten grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by five sisters: Mary Hitt of New Bern, NC; Francenia Johnson (Al) of Lawrenceville, GA Cathleen Staton of New Bern, NC; Catherine Graham of Newport News, Virginia and Dorothy Cogdell. Also, three sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. We love you. You were a good Dad. May you rest in peace.