Francis Cockrell

Francis E. "Gene" Cockrell, 81, of McPherson, passed away on Tuesday, March 25, 2008, at Lakeside Home Plus, McPherson. He was born on December 3, 1926, at Pratt, Kansas, the son of Fanny (Bergner) Cockrell-Brass. He graduated from high school at Pratt, Kansas in 1944. On October 30, 1948, Gene was united in marriage to Beverly A. Heling in Pratt, Kansas. He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in the European Theater of Operations. He was a heavy equipment operator for KP & L, owned and operated Conoco Gas Station, was a service manager for several auto dealerships, and during retirement, he drove cars for several auto dealerships.

He was a member of the V.F.W. Post #2715 and B.P.O.E. #502.

The graveside service will be at 10:30 AM, Saturday, March 29, 2008, at the McPherson Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post #24 and V.F.W. Post #2715. Pastor Scott Watford will be officiating. Visitation is scheduled from 3:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at Stockham Family Funeral Home with the family present from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.

Survivors include: his wife, Beverly of the home; daughter, Lynn Valentine and husband, Dennis, of Sterling, KS; son, Charlie Cockrell and wife, Cindy, of Gorham, KS; brother-in-law, Ferril Heling of McPherson, KS; step-brother, Harven Brass of Lennox, SD; half-brother, Junior Brass of Lennox, SD; 6 grandchildren; and 4 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and a step-sister, Caroline Abbas.

Memorial contributions may be given to the American Legion Post #24 or V.F.W. Post #2715 in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Francis Cockrell please visit our Sympathy Store.