Donald Dean Cockrum – Sesser, IL

Donald Dean Cockrum died on Saturday, May 29, 2021 in Herrin Hospital after an extended illness.

Don was born in Sesser on December 31, 1927 to Bert and Viva (Harrison) Cockrum. Oldest of 9 children, he grew up planting and harvesting and tending farm animals. He served in Germany and Korea with the U.S. Army and returned home to work side by side with his Dad, eventually buying a farm of their own. Donald enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, planting and harvesting, raising livestock. He loved Jesus and was a lifelong member of Horse Prairie Baptist Church. He was known for helping out friends, neighbors, his community, his Church. He never knew a stranger and loved telling stories all the days of his life.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers Jerry, Dale, Frank and Burl. He is survived by three sisters and one brother, Phyllis Stroup, Rosa Lee Plunkett, Leon Cockrum, and Judy Gurley. Generations of Cockrum Cousins, young and old alike, are proud and privileged to call him Uncle. He will be dearly missed by all.

There will be a visitation at 11am Friday, June 4 2021 at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home in Sesser prior to the funeral at 1pm with burial to follow at Horse Prairie Baptist Church and Cemetery immediately after.

For more information go to our website www.gilbertfuneralhomes.com