Kevin C. Cockrell

Kevin Christopher Cockrell, 45, of Kemp, won his courageous battle with Leukemia on August 14, 2017 when he closed his eyes here on Earth and opened them in Heaven. Kevin was surrounded by his loving family, and they rest in the knowledge that they will be reunited again one day. He was welcomed into Heaven by his Lord and Savior, his father, Phil Cockrell and his grandparents: A.M. and Bessie Lee (Payne) Cockrell and Harley L. and Melba M. (Hellner) Cox and uncle, William P. Cockrell. Kevin was born on October 16, 1971 in Irving, Texas to Philip and Lana Cockrell, and he graduated from North Mesquite High School in 1990 after which he graduated from Texas A&M-Commerce with his Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture. He worked as a manager for Dometic Corp., and his integrity was a hallmark of his professional reputation. Kevin was a man who was loyal, generous, loving, funny, stubborn and devoted. He had a way of making sure others were taken care of before himself all the while making lifelong friendships with everyone he met. Kevin’s easy going personality made an instant friend of all who met him (some of whom knew him better as “Catfish”!) and he truly never did meet a stranger. He loved the outdoors where he hunted and fished frequently with family and friends. Kevin also enjoyed riding motorcycles, and spontaneous trips were bound to happen when he and his riding group had any time to spare. Kevin truly enjoyed every day but, without a doubt, his absolute favorite place to be was with his sons, supporting and encouraging them in every activity that they were a part of. He considered the entire teams that his sons were involved in as his “sons” and he treated them with the same praise and appreciation for their efforts on and off the field. In 2011, he met Michelle Daniels, and the happiness she brought to Kevin, as well as her steadfast love, ensured that together they could conquer anything, and on June 16, he proposed to her knowing that they truly were destined to be together for forever. Kevin was a firm believer in Jesus Christ, and he never missed an opportunity to witness the Lord’s saving love to all he met, and he would always invite them to Victory Church where he was a longtime and active member. Truly when Kevin opened his eyes in Heaven on August 14th, he was met with the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant…” A man who had a servant’s heart and gave of himself to all who had a need, Kevin will be missed by all who loved him. Kevin leaves to cherish his legacy his sons: Kasey Cockrell, Klayden Cockrell and Bryce Daniels, all of Kemp; fiancée, Michelle Daniels of Kemp; mother, Lana Cockrell of Kemp; sister, Stephanie Newsom and husband, Christopher, of Kemp; nieces: Harlie Tarno, Ashleigh and Victoria Newsom; all of Kemp; parents-in-law, James and Joyce Derrick; mother of his sons, Kendra J. Thomason; his second family, the Schmitz's as well as several other extended family members and a host of beloved friends who will always love him and never forget him. The family would like to extend their heart-felt gratitude to the staff and caregivers at Texas Oncology and Medical City-Dallas as well as to the countless friends of Kevin with the Kemp Band and Athletic Boosters, his riding buddies and his football friends who gave so much to Kevin and to the family. Each of you has a special place in our hearts and your kindness and your love for Kevin lets us know that he will truly always live on in each life he touched. A Celebration of Kevin’s life will be at 3:00pm, Monday, August 21, 2017 at Victory Church, 7325 S. State Hwy 34, Scurry, Tx, 75158. For those wishing and in honor of Kevin, memorials may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org.

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Kevin C. Cockrell

October 16, 1971 - August 14, 2017