Funeral services for Clayton E. Cockrell of Thornton, Colorado, formerly of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Tuesday, July 2, 2013 at 10:00 AM at the First Congregational Church in Chadron with Dr. Russ Seger officiating. Burial will be at Greenwood Cemetery.
Mr. Cockrell passed away on June 23, 2013 in Thornton, Colorado.
Clayton Eugene Cockrell was born in Redfield South Dakota November 12, 1929 of parents Harry Clayton Cockrell and Elsie Bertha (Kissner) Cockrell of Tulare SD. Clayton married Susie Viola Lowman of Centerville SD Oct 15, 1949.
Clayton and Susie had two sons, Michael born January 12, 1955 and Timothy born August 22, 1959. Clayton served in the U.S. Army in Germany during Korean War. He worked for the CNW Railroad from his late teens (1949) until retirement in 1991. The work took the family to a number of locations in South Dakota and Iowa, settling in Tracy Minnesota until retiring in Chadron, Nebraska. Clayton enjoyed camping, fishing and taking photos with his treasured Rolliflex camera. The family went on camping vacations to many National Parks and Monuments, extending his love of travel and the West to his sons. Clayton and Susie were faithful members of the 1st Congregational Church in Chadron. Clayton particularly enjoyed annual Fur Trade Days Ice Cream Socials at the church. He also was an avid supporter of Veteran’s groups.
Clayton was preceded in death by wife Susie and his parents. He is survived by both sons of Colorado and seven brothers sisters: Harriet (Neill) Binger, Hitchcock SD; Norma (Leon) Palmer, Sisseton SD; Meryl (Delores), Chadron NE; Dennis, Belle Fourche SD; Ruby (Gary) Huggett, Webster SD; Harry (Mary Ann), Magna UT; Evelyn Ost, Bassett NE, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family requests memorials be directed to WWII Honor Flights where veterans visit Washington DC for day-long tours of WWII, Vietnam, Korean, Lincoln, Air Force, Navy and Women’s Memorals and Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery.
Send memorials to Chadron Community Foundation, Honor Flights, c/o Rob Wahlstrom
718 E 10th Street, Chadron 69337.
Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.