Douglas Cockerham was born April the 23rd 1940 in Monette Arkansas to Remmel Mac Cockerham (who preceded him in death) and Geraldine Farrar. He went to his maker on the 6th of April, 2009. He had 3 children: Loretta Lynn Rickner, William Douglas, and Ashlye Lynn; two stepchildren: Tammye Joel Brown and Thomas Lee Rawlings, Jr.; and one great grandchild: Walker Douglas.
Doug was a proud Navy Veteran and served from 1957 through 1961. Much of that time he was attached to the USS Ranger. He was a lifetime member of the USS Ranger Historical Society.
He was a 32nd Degree Mason.
To most of us Doug was known as a master craftsman. He could take a piece of brass and turn it into a work of art. His locomotives are legendary throughout the US. I could easily see him machining new brass hinges for heaven’s gate complaining that the old ones were “too noisy”.
He was also a loyal friend. The one thing you couldn’t say about Doug is you didn’t know his opinion about something. He was quick to let you know. My father (Hugh Brown’s father), also a Navy Vet, used to call the older Navy Vets Old Salts. Well some might even call Doug a little salty. But to us that knew and loved him, he was the salt of the earth. The field here won’t be quite the same without his booming voice yelling out of the shelter. Heaven just got another bass voice. I’m sure when we get there that voice will be echoing past the gate.
There’s a scene from an old western where the trail boss passes away during the cattle drive and they have a small service after the burial. After a brief discussion it is decided that the old trail cook knew him best and should say a few words. I’ll end with his (words). Lord, we give you our friend Doug, try not to tick him off!
Doug and Kyle ready to fly
If members or family have memories that they would like to share
Please E-mail them to:
bonnette_l@yahoo.com
