Donald Lee Cockrell

Don Cockrell was born in Howe, Oklahoma on December 8, 1939 to Orby and Grace (Atkins) Cockrell. Shortly after they moved to Granada Hills, California where he had many fond memories of growing up on a citrus ranch and where his love for hunting, fishing, and the outdoors began. He went on to bravely serve his country while stationed in Korea. At the age of 19, he met his lifelong best friend and the one he would endlessly love with all of his heart, Linda Lewis. Three and a half years later they married. He worked hard at everything he did and went at it with his whole heart. He was a master craftsman, built many houses, and worked on other construction projects. Everything he made had to be perfect, and he wouldn't quit till it was.

With all the many experiences he's had in a great life, the best journey is one he continues on with Jesus Christ. Getting saved at a young age, Don devoted his life to serving his God. The pure heart and selfless love he had shone through his actions. From the countless lives he changed through children's ministries and of all those he encountered, great are his rewards in Heaven.

On January 28, 2017, at the age of 77, he won a battle with cancer as his body was restored when he went to join his Heavenly Father. He is survived by the love of his life and best friend, Linda Cockrell. Together they had one daughter, Leann Hicks, who exemplifies the kind of love he has for the Lord. He is survived by his son-in-law, Clayton Hicks who he worked with. He had one granddaughter, Cortney Hicks who he shared his love for the outdoors and his old blue Chevy with. He has one mother-in-law, Wanda Lewis who loved him as her own. He has one younger sister, Kay Kreider, of California who he had many adventures with. He has many nieces, nephews, and other family members that he loved very much. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Orby and Grace, and his one brother Bobby Cockrell.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 1 at the Greenwood Church of the Nazarene with burial at Dayton Cemetery under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood. Viewing will be Tuesday from 3 – 7 p.m. at the church, where the family will visit with friends from 5 – 7 p.m.

Pallbearers will be David Fugett, Jim Hopper, Steve Sherrill, Ryan Embree, Larry Taylor and Taylor Townsend.

To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.mcconnellfh.com.