Darrell Brannan Kozma

Darrell Brannan Kozma was born on November 2, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan. The son of Blanche (Brannan) and Nick Kozma, Darrell passed away peacefully on June 23, 2017 at the age of 69. Darrell attended Redford High School, graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with honors and later became an ordained minister. Darrell served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 to 1971 when he was medically retired. During his enlistment, he was in the Navy Choir and also held the dead lift record of 564 pounds at Beeville Air Station in Beeville, Texas. His record was still standing when the base closed in 1993. He was a Vietnam Veteran and AMVET Service Officer for 32 years, Darrell was honored to expand AMVET services and was dedicated to helping veterans in the U.P. He was State Director for the AMVETs for the last 10 years of his career. Darrell received numerous awards, including Chapel of Four Chaplains, Legion of Honor Membership in 1995; Wolverine Award, Citizen of the Year in 2001; AMVETs Department of Michigan Certificate of Appreciation for 30 years of Loyalty and Service while Assistant Service Director in 2006 and AMVETs Life Member of Michigan, AMVETs Post 9, joined September 1, 1977. An avid sportsman, Darrell always prided himself in taking over 100 deer, each with a single shot. He also hunted rattlesnake and armadillo in Texas. Darrell, a talented bow hunter, taught archery for 4H for 7 years. He enjoyed fishing in the Les Cheneaux Islands with his family, especially his grandson Lane. Darrell and his family built their cordwood home on Nunns Creek road, which was always his dream. It was a labor of love that took 5 years. Darrell is survived by his wife of 45 years, Colleen; son, Keith and his wife Sarah and grandchildren Lane, Charlotte, and Dylan; son, Steve; son, Mark; son, Eric and his wife Carola; and friend and adopted family member Donna, all of the Les Cheneaux area. At this time, it is probably safe to disclose that Darrell Kozma is responsible for putting Tide detergent in the San Diego water fountain, causing the suds wall that stopped traffic. This probably best describes Darrell’s time in the Navy and his idea of a “clean” Joke…the sense of humor we will all miss. A graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on August 9, 2017, at Cedar Cemetery. Memorial contribution may be made to VitalCare Hospice of Little Traverse Bay, 1 Hiland Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770. R. Galer Funeral Home in Pickford, Michigan is serving the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.rgalerfuneralhome.com.

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Darrell Brannan Kozma

November 2, 1947 - June 23, 2017