John Howard Cofield

John Howard Cofield, of Colorado Springs, passed away on March 10,2023 in his home in Calhan at the age of 38. He was born in Springfield, Illinois on July 16,1984 to Tari D. Cofield and John A. Cofield. John Howard is survived by his three beloved children, parents, siblings Matthew and Sara Cofield, his loving partner Shelby Schurle (Jaxin and Araya), and extended family.

 He is preceded in death by his brother, Sgt. Mark A. Cofield, US Army, and both sets of grandparents.   

In 2007 John Howard entered the United States Army and was assigned to the 3rd Brigade, 187th Infantry Division, Rakkasans, Fort Campbell, KY.  While serving there, John Howard was awarded Soldier of the Month and Soldier of the Year in 2009. John Howard said the best part of the award was he got a designated parking spot by the door.  With the Rakkasans he served one tour in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. 

In 2011 he began Special Forces Qualification Course and training at Fort Bragg, NC where he was an honor graduate. The distinguished honor graduate award is presented to Soldiers earning the highest marks in each military occupational specialty.  Upon completion of training, John Howard was assigned to the 1st Special Forces Command, 10th Special Forces Group (Airbourne) at Ft. Carson where he was the weapons Sergeant.  He medically retired as a Staff Sergeant in 2015 due to injuries sustained in combat during his last tour in Afghanistan. John loved being in the Army and greatly missed his brothers in arms after he retired.

John Howard loved to play hockey and thrived around friends and family. He would constantly have ten creative projects going at the same time which usually included 505 parachute cord, multiple electrical wires, needle and thread, glue guns and spray paint.  He could quickly make friends with a stranger and was known for his love of family, outgoing personality, sense of humor and his extreme command of obscenities.

Burial with military honors will take place at 1:30pm, Friday, May 5, 2023, at Evergreen Cemetery, 1005 Hancock Expressway, Colorado Springs, CO 80903.

Immediately after we will hold a Celebration of Life and potluck dinner at the Disabled Veterans Hall, 6880 Palmer Park Blvd. 80915.

In lieu of flowers we kindly request donations toward the funeral via Pay Pal, taricofield@msn.com

Additional moneys will be placed in a fund for John’s children.

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