Emmett Erston Cockrum

Marion Emmett Erston Cockrum, 94, passed away on Saturday, November 11, 2006 at 4:23 A.M. at his home in Marion. Emmett was born February 13, 1912 in Sesser to Edgar Erston & Katherine (Winthrop) Cockrum. He married Mary Schuman on January 1, 2002 in Marion and she survives. A native of rural Southern Illinois, Emmett received his early education in Sesser and Christopher, graduating from Christopher High School. He received his Bachelors degree from SIU (then Southern Illinois Normal University) and taught in a number of small southern Illinois schools. In 1935 he was commissioned Lieutenant of Artillery, U.S. Army and served first in the Army and subsequently in the Air Force throughout WWII, the Korean Conflict and the early years of the Vietnam Conflict, retiring from the Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel in 1966. Following his military retirement he completed a PHD in History at the University of Colorado, teaching at the University level for a number of years. Upon full retirement he returned to Southern Illinois for the remainder of his life. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, American Legion, past president of MOAA and SAR, and was a 75 year member of the Boy Scouts. He was a member of the 1st Presbyterian Church where he had served as an Elder and Deacon. Survivors include; Wife Mary (Schuman) Crockrum of Marion Son David E. Cockrum of Belton, SC Son Douglas M. Cockrum of Marion Five Grandchildren; Elaine Ceil Uram of Ocean Spring, MS Clark A. Walker of Bloomington, IL Kimberly S. Cockrum of Spearfish, SD Matthew S. Cockrum of Grand Rapids, MI Ivan S. Cockrum of Seattle, WA Two Great Grandchildren; Anthony Uram and Katherine Uram of Ocean Spring, MS Preceded by Parents, 1st wife, Fern C. Cockrum, 2nd wife, Mary S. Cockrum, two daughters, Carol V. Walker, Rosemary A. Cockrum, two sisters, Ruby DeBlanc and Beatrice Sterling. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 7:00 P.M. at the 1st Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dan Whitfield officiating. Burial with military rites will be in the Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery on Thursday at 1 P.M. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association or Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the church or by mail to Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home, 800 North Market Street, Marion, IL 62959.