- Born on: August 3, 1938
- Departed on: December 9, 2024
- Resided in: Osage, IA
Gary Lee Cockrum
With great sadness, we announce the passing of Gary Lee Cockrum, 86, of Osage, Iowa, who left us on December 9, 2024. He was surrounded by loved ones and passed away peacefully.
Gary was born on August 3, 1938, in Osage, Iowa to Marian and Ross (Vern) Cockrum. He graduated from Osage High School in 1957. Gary held various jobs throughout his life. Gary served in the Army Reserves and eventually retired from the Osage Elevator. Gary then attended the Iowa Commission for the Blind in Des Moines, Iowa for 9 months. When he returned home, Gary sold Hormel feed out of his garage. Gary enjoyed listening to books, his sister Alice picking out nearly each one he read. Gary had a passion for tinkering in his garage, refurbishing and building furniture, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and listening to Hawkeye football games. Gary made a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lavonne Cockrum, his daughter, Amy (Chris) Cockrum Kling, his grandchildren, Chloe (Stephen) Kling, Chase (Hayley) Kling, and Callie Kling, and his siblings, Connie (Ken) Eagen, Alice Marie (Charlie) Olswold, and Dean (LuAnn) Cockrum, as well as many nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Marian and Ross Cockrum, his brother, Jim Cockrum, and sister-in-law, Lodema Cockrum.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life on December 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa. Gary will be buried at a later date at Rock Creek next to his parents and brother.
Gary Cockrum will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. Rest in peace.
Gary was born on August 3, 1938, in Osage, Iowa to Marian and Ross (Vern) Cockrum. He graduated from Osage High School in 1957. Gary held various jobs throughout his life. Gary served in the Army Reserves and eventually retired from the Osage Elevator. Gary then attended the Iowa Commission for the Blind in Des Moines, Iowa for 9 months. When he returned home, Gary sold Hormel feed out of his garage. Gary enjoyed listening to books, his sister Alice picking out nearly each one he read. Gary had a passion for tinkering in his garage, refurbishing and building furniture, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, and listening to Hawkeye football games. Gary made a lasting impact on everyone he met.
Gary is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lavonne Cockrum, his daughter, Amy (Chris) Cockrum Kling, his grandchildren, Chloe (Stephen) Kling, Chase (Hayley) Kling, and Callie Kling, and his siblings, Connie (Ken) Eagen, Alice Marie (Charlie) Olswold, and Dean (LuAnn) Cockrum, as well as many nieces and nephews. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Marian and Ross Cockrum, his brother, Jim Cockrum, and sister-in-law, Lodema Cockrum.
Friends and family will gather to celebrate his life on December 14, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Osage, Iowa. Gary will be buried at a later date at Rock Creek next to his parents and brother.
Gary Cockrum will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew him. Rest in peace.
