Elbert Hubbard Cosman

Elbert Hubbard Cosman, a prominent Montana insurance executive died on Dec. 3, 2004. He was 92 years old and died of natural causes.

Mr. Cosman was born on Aug. 29, 1912, in Cambridge, Mass. He grew up in Bozeman, Mont., and played varsity football at Bozeman High School. He went on to graduate from the University of Montana in Missoula, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. On Nov. 26, 1937, he married Edith Matheson, a native of Billings, Mont. In 1938, they moved to Billings, where he established an insurance agency. After Pearl Harbor and the breakout of World War II, Elbert enlisted in the Navy and received a commission as a Lieutenant JG following Officers Training at Harvard University. He served as a Communications Officer in the Pacific, first on an Aircraft Carrier, later on a Destroyer, and finally on a Troop Transport that ferried Marines into the Philippines. His final duty was on a ship anchored in Tokyo Harbor near the Missouri, when the signing of the Japanese Surrender occurred. Mr. Cosman finished the war as a full Lieutenant.

Elbert was very active in the Billings community. He was a member of the Billings Junior Chamber of Commerce, the Elks Club, Billings Lodge 113, the Scottish Rite, and the Al Bedoo Shrine Temple. He was in the Al Bedoo Black Horse Patrol for 42 years and served as Captain for many years. Elbert was also a member of the Royal Order of Jesters Court 87. He enjoyed shooting and hunting and was a member of the Billings Trap Club and the Rattlesnake Hunting Club.

In addition, Elbert loved to play golf. He was a member of the Hilands Golf Club, having served as President of the Club on two separate occasions. He was also an early member of the Yellowstone Country Club.

Elbert's first wife, Edith, died on Aug. 8, 1970. On October 12, 1979, he married Patricia Knudson of Billings. In addition to being survived by Patricia, Elbert is survived by his daughter Lisa Cosman; his son Ray Cosman, and his son's daughters Sarah Anne Cosman and Clare Matheson Cosman, all of New York City. Elbert is also survived by his stepdaughter, Mary Kay Dissel of Richland, Wash. and her children Christopher of San Francisco, Calif. and Ryan of Richland, Wash. In addition, Elbert is survived by his stepson James Knudson of Billings, and his children Jean and John of Portland, Ore.

The funeral service will be conducted at the First Presbyterian Church at 2420 13th Street West on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at 10 a.m. Interment will follow at Mountview Cemetery.

The family suggests that any memorial contributions be made to the Al Bedoo Shrine Transportation Fund, P.O. Box 20673, Billings, Montana 59104.

Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary has charge of arrangements.