The Staff & Management of R. Swinson Funeral Services and the Coward family regretfully announces the transition of Valentino Coward, affectionally known as “VK”, 59, of Hampton, VA, passed away March 7, 2021, after his courageous battle with Covid-19. He was born on August 20, 1961 to the late William Keno and Ernestine Dixon Coward, of Kinston, North Carolina. VK received his schooling in the Lenoir County School System. He graduated from Kinston High School, Class of 1979. After high school, VK joined the United States Air Force, August 29, 1979, and retired with an Honorable Discharge as an E6 TSGT on August 31, 1999 from the AF Pentagon, Washington, DC. Some of his accomplishments were receiving an Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal from the 374th Squadron at Yokato Air Base, Japan, an Air Force Longevity Service Award, Air Force Training and Overseas Ribbons with devices, and many more. He also attended Saint Leo University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management.

V K was a Die-Hard UNC Tarheel and Carolina Panther’s fan. He LOVED to talk (Smile), golf, fish, travel, write poetry, listen to jazz, and was an Honorary Facebook “Chef” showing off all of his K-Town and abroad culinary skills (Smile). VK also LOVED his family and friends very much; his many smiles, and sounds of laughter were indicators that he truly felt the love in return!!

Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Odette Sorhaindo Coward of Hampton, VA; his son Valentino Keno Coward, Jr. of Las Vegas, NV; two daughters, LaKeasha Marie Coward Walker (Rashean) of Chesterfield, VA; Alexis Melissa Buskey of Portsmouth, VA. The Apples of “Pop- Pop’s” Eye are his beloved grandchildren: Kaleah Marie Walker and Kobe Rashean Walker both of Chesterfield, VA; Olivia Nicole Smallwood of Portsmouth, VA. VK is also survived by two sisters, Gillespe Coward Banks of Virginia Beach, VA; Gwendolyn S. Whitehead (Ricky) of Kinston, NC; and four brothers, William Keno Coward, Jr., David Coward both of Kinston, NC; Garry Bryant (Linda) of Ayden, NC; Larry Bryant (Tonya) of Snow Hill, NC., along with a host of Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, Classmates of ’79, and Friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 19, 2021, 4-6 pm at the Robert Swinson Jr. Memorial Chapel, 208 E. Blount Street, in his hometown of Kinston, North Carolina. Condolences may be received at cccarterfuneralhome.com, Newport News, VA and Swinsonfs@outlook.com, Kinston, NC.