Robert Everett Corkran

Robert Everett Corkran, born on March 23, 1931, in Holden, Missouri to John William and Katie Lou (Courtney) Corkran, passed away on March 6, 2026, in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, surrounded by his family. A dedicated father, husband, and professional, Robert leaves behind his beloved wife, Margaret (Harrison) Corkran, and their four children: son James Corkran, daughter Julie Ann Marcey, son Thomas Corkran and daughter Amy Sue Hendrickson. He is also survived by two siblings, Keith Corkran and Jody (Corkran) Smith, 4 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His sister Wilma (Corkran) Eubank and brother John Allen Corkran preceded him in death.

Married on February 7, 1951, Robert and Margaret celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary just this year. The observance of this achievement included a celebration which commemorated this rare event and was attended by both family and friends.

Robert was drafted into the armed forces in 1951, and, together with their infant son Jim, the new parents traveled overseas to Germany when Robert was deployed there in 1953. Robert continued his service with the US Army Armored Division until he was ultimately discharged in May of 1955 upon their return from Germany. He was very proud of his service to the country and fond of his time spent in active service.

Robert was a skilled electrical engineer who devoted nearly his entire career to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), where he contributed to the advancement of aviation safety and technology. His passion for fixing and building things extended beyond his professional life; he found joy in gardening and assisting others, often gladly lending a helping hand to family and friends in need.

Those who knew him were always impressed with Robert's problem solving abilities and his aptitude to fix nearly anything he set his sights on, demonstrating along the way his remarkable ability to apply common sense in the process. Skilled in many different facets of construction, woodworking and mechanics, he loved tinkering in his garage shops, imaging and then bringing to life his ideas of what could be. In the process, his "inventions" included all kinds of contraptions, mechanical gizmos and gadgets that he either built or modified for a specific purpose. His ability to repair vehicles and nearly everything else meant that growing up, his kids never saw a repairman in their entire childhoods - Dad just fixed it all.

Robert thoroughly enjoyed the family farm just outside Atchison, Kansas where Margaret grew up. He loved spending time there, and whether it was just tinkering, repairing equipment, building things or just hunting, he was in his element. He enjoyed hunting above almost everything else while he was there and targeted the plentiful rabbits, squirrels and quail that lived in the creeks, hills and timber around the working farmland. He hunted with his children as they grew up, instilling in them the invaluable and lifelong skills of proper gun use and firearm safety. Even though the farmland was leased to operating farmers, his mechanic ability was still on display as he was continually required to fix his own equipment, which included working trucks, tractors and a litany of other miscellaneous farm machinery. He thoroughly enjoyed bringing things which had been neglected or which were antiques back to life, mechanical or not.

The family remembers Robert as a devout, quiet man of integrity, intelligence, compassion and kindness, whose endless curiosity of this world was apparent to all who knew him. He had an unwavering commitment to and for his family and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 10:30 am at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 1502 Sara Rd, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. A private graveside service will be held at Santa Fe National Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church.