Colonel Howell Cobb passed away on September 26, 2024 in Tualatin, Ore. Colonel Cobb was born on January 30, 1945, in Norfolk, Va. He attended Kaiserslautern American High School, Germany. In August 1962, he entered the Citadel in Charleston, S.C., and graduated with an Air Force Commission in 1966.
In July 1966 he reported to duty at Air Force Office of Special Investigations Detachment 1902, Castle Air Force Base, California and then attended the Basic Investigators Course (Class 66C), Tempe E, Washington, District of Columbia. In 1969, he was assigned to AFOSI District 50, Saigon, Vietnam as a Case Review officer. Colonel Cobb’s next assignment was to AFOSI District 10, Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma where he separated from active duty in July 1970.
Colonel Cobb entered the AFOSI Reserve program in 1971. During the next 21 years, he was assigned to AFOSI Detachment 203, Newark, N.J., AFOSI Detachment 709, MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, AFOSI District 20, McChord Air Force Base, Washington, and as the Mobilization Augmentee to the Commander, AFOSI District 19, Travis Air Force base, California. In June 1992, Colonel Cobb returned to active duty as the Commands Reserve Forces Advisor, HQ AFOSI, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. He was responsible for maximizing the utilization of the command’s reserve force, a particularly critical factor for AFOSI during the drawdown of the active force during the past few years. Under Colonel Cobb’s direction, AFOSI’s reserve force witnessed significant growth in numbers, quality, and resources, making significant contributions to the command’s day-to-day operational mission. Colonel Cobb left active duty in September 1996 and returned to the AFOSI reserve program until his retirement in April 1997.
Colonel Cobb has also balanced an equally successful civilian career. After leaving active duty in 1970, Colonel Cobb joined International Paper Company, New York, N.Y. He was one of 12 members selected to attend IPC’s Corporate Sales Training Program, an intensive nine-month orientation of the company’s paper and wood products operations in North America. Upon completion, he held positions with the Container division in Whippany, N.J., and Tampa, Fla. Later, he was reassigned to the Long Bell Cabinet Division, Longview, Wash., and was ultimately promoted to National Accounts Manager.
In 1979, Colonel Cobb left IPC and joined Nicolia Company, Portland, Ore., as the Merchandising and promotion manager. In 1982, Colonel Cobb partnered with a group of individuals and purchased IPC’s door factory in Weed, California. In 1984, they sold IPC and almost immediately founded Rogue Valley Sash and Door Company, Grants pass, Oregon. Colonel Cobb was the President of this national manufacturing firm until he sold his interest in 1991.
After Colonel Cobb sold his interest from Rogue Valley Sash and Door Company he started the family-owned firm, North Pacific Millwork, Incorporated, Portland, Ore. NPC was involved in importing and distributing millwork products to the home building and remodeling industry. After running NPC for 28 years, Colonel Cobb decided to fully retire in 2020.
During retirement, Colonel Cobb enjoyed going on car rallies, international cruises, riding his Harley Davidson, going to the gym, working on his car collectibles, and spending time with his wife, sons, and grandchildren.
Colonel Cobb is survived by his wife Dr. Cynthia Coburn; his three children Howell “Ben” Cobb, Christian Cobb, Joshua Cobb; their mother Mary Sandra Cobb; and his seven grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 11 a.m. Christ Church Episcopal Parish located at 1060 Chandler Rd. in Lake Oswego, Ore. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Hillsdale College 33 E. College St. Hillsdale, Mich. 49242 in memory of Colonel Howell D. Cobb III.