James Kenneth Cockerton

James Kenneth Cockerton, 88, of Longbranch Trail, passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home surrounded by his loved ones after declining health of nine years. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Cockerton was born May 21, 1922, in Osceola County, Mi., to Cassius James Cockerton and Letitia Belle Elder Cockerton. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, American Theater, European African Middle East Theater, and Asiatic Pacific Theater, earning the Bronze Battle Star and two Overseas Bars. He later was a switchman at Michigan Bell Telephone Company and was of the Lutheran faith. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jeanne Ladd Cockerton; daughter, Karen Sue Cockerton Wilson; and brother-in-law, Carl Partlow. Surviving are daughter, Tami Lynn Schug and husband, Eric, of Lexington; stepdaughter, Ann Urbanik of Bradenton, Fl.; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Leroy Cockerton and wife, Joan, of Grand Blanc, Mi.; sister, Alice Partlow of Venice, Fl.; and son-in-law, Terry Wilson of Flint, Mi. The family would like to thank Hospice of Davidson County for the care shown to Mr. Cockerton during this time. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Lane, Lexington, NC 27292.