David Elton Cockrell, 87, passed away March 10, 2020. He was born November 21, 1932 in Logansport, LA to the late Benjamin Lewis Cockrell and Annie Marie Spraggins Cockrell.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Frank Cockrell and John Cockrell and two sons, Karl Cockrell and Gregg Cockrell.

Survivors include his wife Bobbie Ruth James Cockrell; sons John Cockrell and Matthew Cockrell & his wife Lisa; grandchildren Franklin Cockrell, Benjamin Cockrell, Sarah Cockrell and Katie Cockrell; sisters-in-law Ruth Cockrell and Tona Lawhorn and brother-in-Law Curtis James and a host of nieces and nephews.

David and Bobbie were married on February 12, 1954 and shared 66 wonderful years together. He had enlisted in the Navy that same April and they moved to San Diego, California. For the next four years he served on the Sub-Tender U.S.S. Nereus AS-17. He learned the craft of metallurgy and became an expert welder, which was the profession he continued until his retirement.

In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and playing bluegrass on the banjo and French Harp. He was a life-long member of Bay City Masonic Lodge #865 and was a Past Master. David was a member of the First Baptist Church of Van Vleck.

Visitation will begin at 1:00 PM Friday at the First Baptist Church in Van Vleck followed by funeral services at 2:00 PM. Rev. Bob Hobbins and Rev. Matthew Gore will officiate. Pallbearers will be Harry Janise, Ernie Geffert, Chad Lawhorn, Clint Lawhorn, Franklin Cockrell and Benjamin Cockrell. Emory Jackson and Curtis James will serve as honorary pallbearers.