Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
About
Gary Cockrum Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
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.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Rod Cockrum
December 12, 2024
Gary (and LaVonne) were always at family gatherings with their warm and welcoming smiles. I think that Gary loved the simple things in life, and that´s what made him so special. I´m thinking of you all in Osage at this time.
Cousin Rod Cockrum
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
4200 First Avenue NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402
Make a Donation
in Gary Cockrum's name
People and places connected with Gary
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gary's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Gary Cockrum's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
