Dennis Alan Cockrell

Dennis was born January 12, 1937, in Joppa, Illinois, to Reverend Edward J. and Helen Gail (Mathis) Cockrel, during the historic Ohio River Flood of 1937. The house of his birth was high on a hill in the small Illinois town when his parents welcomed him into their new family. Brother Paul Cockrel would follow twelve years later. As a boy, Dennis played baseball and basketball. He worked on family and friends’ farms and moved with his parents to the different parishes for the United Methodist Church. It has been said young Dennis always carried jacks in his pockets or would produce a toad for his unsuspecting mother.

Dennis graduated from Wood River High School, Wood River, Illinois, in 1955 where he met his spouse Shirley Jeane Wade of Hartford, Illinois. Dennis and Shirley were united in marriage in Hartford, Illinois, on May 31, 1957, presided by the Rev. Edward J. Cockrel with Best Man Carl E. Draper and Maid of Honor Marilyn Short. Five children were born to this union: Debi Savage of Cocoa, FL., Michael Cockrell, Kim Handloser of Medford, OR., Berri Cockrell of Parker, CO., and Sandie Hubbard of Parker, CO.

After a brief time spent at McKendree College (University) in Lebanon, Ill., Dennis enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. The family was stationed in Turkey. Dennis completed his electrician apprenticeship at Shell Oil Company in Wood River, Ill., before returning to the U.S. Air Force Reserves and Civil Service. Dennis was stationed at Scott A.F.B in Southern Illinois, Fortuna A.F.B in Crosby, N.D., and El Centro Naval Air Station in El Centro, CA. Dennis and family came to Colorado in 1981. Dennis finished his Reserves and Civil Service career at Fort Carson and Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO., and Lowery A.F.B in Aurora, Co. Dennis retired SMSGT / E8.

Family favorite when Dennis pulled Active-Duty Electrician for the Air Force Academy Falcon Football games. Twin daughters Berri and Sandie would be in the stands for the games. The family attended many aircraft shows and military functions. Dennis was very proud of his military service.

Later in life, Dennis and Shirley hosted family and grandchildren to their home in Colorado Springs. Their gardens were known by their neighbors and “The House” to see all the flowers and containers – many hours spent on their home with their beloved dogs Heather, Sahara, Precious, Brandy, Ebony, and Oreo. Dennis loved to grill and family legend - always made breakfast for the children and grandchildren prior to school. Hot cereal with lumps of course and great French Toast on Sundays.

Dennis leaves to mourn his daughters Debi, Kim, Berri, and Sandie. His brother Paul Cockrel and family of Denver, CO. His grandchildren: Greg, Michael, Kyle, Tabitha, Ed, Gail, Rachel, and Sadie. His great-grandchildren: Savannah, Lily, Sam, Noah, Parker, Chloe, Tyler, Jesse, Adelais, Madelina, Christopher, Dwight, Ashley, Nyles, and Remi. His two great-great grandchildren and nephew Mark and nieces Joy and Bev. Cousin Judy and Chris and the Illinois family. And his wonderful group of Colorado Springs neighbors that have supported over the years.

Dennis joins his wife Shirley J. (Wade) Cockrell, passed March 2, 2025, and beloved son Michael A. Cockrell passed January 18, 2025. All three will be laid to rest at McKendree Chapel Cemetery, Keyesport, Illinois. No services are planned.