Don Cockrell, age 52, of Lewisville, passed away Friday, April 24, 2009, at home.

He was born September 20, 1956 in Dallas to Tuffy and Sonja Cockrell. Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1976 to 1980 as a medic. He began his tenure at Brookhaven College in 1983 as the athletic and equipment coordinator and for the past 26 years has enjoyed his "kids" as well as the staff. Don was the epidimy of patience, kindness and love through out his life and it showed in the way he treated his family, friends and even strangers. He was an avid fisherman, tournaments and all, enjoyed the garden and his "new" found love of golf with his grandchildren. He will be truly and deeply missed by all whose lives he has touched.

He is survived by his wife, Gail; daughter, Kimberly DuChene and husband, Brad; grandchildren, David, Kelsey, Zachary, Joshua, Anne- Marie, Angela and Sam; mother, Sonja McRight; father and step-mother, Tuffy and Ruth Cockrell; sisters in-law, Judi Thomas and husband Rick; Lea Hensley and husband J.D.; brother in-law, Scott Trudell and wife Jeannie as well as 23 nieces and nephews; favorite aunt, Yvonne Bueckel-Mauz; special friends, Eileen Graziano and Belle and Dave Powers and Don's four legged children, Gunner and Bullet.

A celebration of Don's life will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2009, at Mulkey-Mason Funeral Home in Lewisville. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions made to any non-kill animal shelter. For online condolences please go to www.mulkeymason.com.