David Kossover

Aaron David Kossover, 81, of Springdale, Arkansas passed away Thursday, November 14, 2024 surrounded by family.

David was born August 1, 1943, in England, Arkansas, the son of Harry and Lois (Hogg) Kossover. In high school, he excelled in both basketball and tennis, being ranked number one in tennis for several years, beating both older and younger competitors, often at War Memorial Tennis Center. He was the point guard who helped lead the England High School Basketball team to victory in both district and state tournaments.

He was recruited by Coach Bill Vining to play both basketball and tennis at Ouachita Baptist University in 1961. He also played baseball in his freshman year but then was only allowed to play two sports. He, along with teammate Leon Clements, led the Tigers to two AIC championships and three trips to the NAIA national basketball tournament. The OBU basketball team finished third in the NAIA in 1964 and David was a first team all-tournament selection in 1965, and is a member of OBU’s 1,000-point club. In tennis, he was undefeated for four years in singles and doubles, beating his brother and doubles partner, Jerry, each year in the AIC finals. He finally lost at nationals in 1964 and finished ranked 3rd in singles and doubles in NAIA. He graduated from OBU in 1965 with a degree in Sports Management.

David married Donita Ford out of college, and they had three sons: Michael (Rhonda), Bradley (Holly) and Adam (Kristen). He later married Karen Jean Leinert on February 14, 1982. 

David taught and played Tennis for 40 years in Arkansas and Kansas. He was the head tennis coach for the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1968-1971 then was the head tennis pro at several racquet clubs including Summerhill Racquet and Athletic Club in Fayetteville; Wood Valley Racquet Club in Topeka, Kansas; and at Cottonwood Racquet Club in Manhattan, Kansas. David returned to Fayetteville and Summerhill as head tennis pro until his retirement, at which time, always the competitor, he took up golf seriously, competing in many local golf tournaments. David particularly enjoyed the OBU annual golf tournament and fundraiser with family members, and dearly loved golfing and spending time with his brother-in-law, Quin Melton.

David was inducted into the Arkansas Tennis Hall of Fame in 2013 and the Ouachita Baptist University Hall of Fame in 2004. In addition to golf, David enjoyed all Razorback sports, fishing, and teaching both adult and youth tennis, coaching several women’s tennis teams to state and regional victories.

He was always competitive in sports and bridge games. David could not be separated from sports and could have been a sports analyst. He believed in the value of competition and enjoyed seeing individuals improve through their efforts. If a score was kept, David wanted to win, and he was always the jokester and kept his family and friends laughing. 

Survivors include his wife, Karen Jean Kossover, his three sons and two stepsons, Hugh (Eileen) Cooper and Eric Cooper. He is also survived by his siblings Molly Melton, Jerry (Becky) Kossover, and Harriette Kossover, and by four grandchildren, one great grandchild, and seven nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Harold.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Ouachita Baptist University Athletic program, 410 Ouachita St., Arkadelphia, AR 71998. 

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