Pete Cockrill

Peter E. “Pete� Cockrill, 59, of Casa Grande died on May 9, 2011, at Hospice of the Valley, Dobson Home in Chandler. The celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel. A gathering will follow at Coolidge-Florence Elks Lodge. John Pew and Paul Cooper will officiate. Mr. Cockrill was born on Oct. 20, 1951, in Tucson and lived all his life in Pinal County. He was a third-generation cotton farmer and farmed in the Coolidge area for more than 35 years with his two brothers. During that time he also had a 32-year career with Helena Chemical Company and won many awards from the company. Pete was a tremendous asset to the company. He retired from that work in 2006 to farm full time. He loved anything about agriculture. He was very friendly and helped countless people in farming and other ways. He was the life force in any room, bar, restaurant or gathering and used any microphone available. He loved his son, his wife and family very much and cherished his friendships with all his heart. Survivors include his wife, Lucia .; a son, Jonathan Cockrill of Peoria; two brothers, Bob Cockrill Jr. of Casa Grande and Pat Cockrill of Coolidge; a sister, Susan Howell of Tucson; and four step siblings, Kiki Shumway of Pasco, Washington, Todd Guinn of Gilbert, Arizona, Barbara McCaughey of Dubuque, Iowa, and Debbie Guinn of Nampa, Idaho. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Cockrill, and his mother and stepfather, Johnnie J. and Charles Guinn. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley or American Cancer Society.