C. A. Cockrell, lll, passed away peacefully at his home in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, October 3, 2021, at the age of 87. C.A. was born in Abilene, Texas to parents C.A. & Mildred Cockrell, on February 25, 1934.
C.A. served 26 ½ years in the United States Air Force retiring as a CMSgt and Sgt Major of the SAC NCO Academy at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana in 1978. His distinguished military career included many accolades including being selected in 1961 for the B-58 Hustler program at Carswell AFB, Texas. He set an on-time take-off record for B-58 Hustlers and was awarded a SAC Master Crew Chief award. His aircraft S/N 58-2458, known as the “Cowtown Hustler”, set a transcontinental speed record on March 5, 1962. The Bendix & McKay Trophies were awarded for this accomplishment. His aircraft is currently on exhibit at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. He served in Viet Nam in 1965 and flew 105 missions on C-123 aircraft. He received the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters and the Bronze Star with 1 oak leaf cluster. After retiring from the USAF, he spent twenty years with American Eurocopter Corporation in Grand Prairie, Texas and retired as VP of Operations.
Although he had a stellar military career, all that knew him, loved him for his kindness, gentleness and love for his family. He treasured his retirement years with his wife Betty living on Callender Lake in East Texas and taking many cruises all over the world. He adored his children, but his grandchildren were the light of his life. He taught them to fish and to enjoy the outdoors and nature. His love of birds will be carried with all of us as he and Betty enjoyed them every morning from their lakefront porch. Boat rides and 4th of July’s on the lake setting off fireworks will live on, but never be the same without him in the captain’s seat. He was active with the Calender Lake HOA serving 12 years as the President always wanting to improve the community for everyone’s benefit. C.A. and Betty gained lifetime friends while living there. His final 4 years were spent at Heartis, an Assisted Living in Arlington where he enjoyed much fun and laughter. He made many friends while living there.
C.A. was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years Betty and his son C.A. IV. He is survived by daughters Cynthia K Lebrun & her husband John from Ohio, Sherri Lynn Gallant and her husband Tim, from Mansfield, TX, eight grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, a sister Judy Gulley and her husband Maynard from Baird, TX and a brother James M. Cockrell & his wife Melody from Mansfield, TX and daughter in law, Lynne Cockrell. C.A. Cockrell III will be buried next to his wife, Betty, at the DFW Veterans National Memorial Cemetery, Grand Prairie, Texas.
In lieu of flowers, C.A.'s memory can be honored through donations to the following Foundations and any desired notifications of donations from the foundations can be sent to [email protected]
Moslah Shrine
P.O. Box 1320
Ft. Worth, TX 76101
C.A. supported the Moslah Shrine Flying Fez which was formed to perform an essential task to the Shrine’s mission of providing transportation of patients to Shriners Hospitals for Children. He also supported the Moslah Shrine Clowns who serve as active ambassadors in the Shrine.
Wounded Warrior Project
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate
Tunnel to Towers
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