Joseph Cockerham, Sr.

Joseph Donald "Don" Cockerham, Sr. died January 5, 2018 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
He was born May 14, 1923 in Denham Springs, Louisiana to Ernest and Clara (Minton) Cockerham.
Don graduated from Denham Springs High School in 1940. He was a WWII Veteran where he served in the 9th Infantry US Army involved in the Africa Campaign, Sicily, D-Day Utah Beach Invasion, Northern France Campaign, Battle of the Bulge and was in the first platoon crossing the Rhine River into Germany. He was awarded the Bronze Star for bravery.
After WWII he met and married the love of his life Anita "Faye" Devall and lived a wonderful 66 years together having 4 children, 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He had a 38 year career at Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, he also served as a Baker City Councilman for 8 years, City Administrator and Civil Defense Director in Baker under Mayor "Pete" Heine.

He is preceded in death by his parents Ernest & Clara (Minton) Cockerham, his brother Ernest Cockerham, Jr., sisters Pauline Story, Nell Parish and Betty Combs and grandson Donald Cole LeBlanc.

He is survived by his wife Faye, their children and spouses; Sarah (Cockerham) & Sid Ruiz, Karen (Cockerham) & Markham Palombo, Joseph Donald & Katrina Cockerham, Jr. and Laura (Cockerham) & Ward LeBlanc, 11 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren and niece Clair Parish.

Our family would like to thank LaPlantation Assisted Living facility in Denham Springs, Bridgeway Hospice and his caregivers for their care and compassion. A special thank you to Lynda McNamar, his personal caregiver for over 3 years.

Arrangements are at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA. 70714, (225) 775-1991, visitation on Monday Jan 8th, 2018 at 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Tuesday at 9:00 am with services beginning at 10:00 am and burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Family and friends may sign the online guestbook or leave a personal note to the family at www.bakerfuneralhomeonline.com

Visitation

Baker Funeral Home
6401 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA  70714
Monday, January 8, 2018
5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Baker Funeral Home
6401 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA  70714
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Service

Baker Funeral Home Chapel
6401 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA  70714
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
10:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Hillcrest Memorial Gardens
6305 Groom Rd.
Baker, LA  70714