Warren Lynn Cockerham, 83, of Alexandria, passed from this life on Friday, February 14, 2014, of complications following abdominal surgery. Warren, or “Bo” as he was known in LaSalle Parish, was born in Kelly on April 6, 1930, to the union of the late Warren Cockerham and Ruth Beatrice Gore Cockerham. Warren graduated from Trout-Good Pine High School in 1947. Over 90% of the Class of ’47 attended college. Warren then graduated in1951 from what is known today as USL with a degree in Agronomy. After graduation, he served in the U. S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He later attended graduate school at LSU and Cornell University. Warren’s career brought him to Alexandria in 1956 when he took a position with the Soil Conservation Service of the USDA. He was blessed to form lifelong friendships with several colleages who also began their careers that same day. That very same year, 1956, Warren met and wed the late Grace Marie Hendricks of Atlanta, GA. The couple made their home in Alexandria where they raised their three daughters: Dr. Carol Vesler of Delaware, MS, Janice Johnson of Alexandria, and Dr. Karen Mathieu of Metairie. Warren is also survived by four grandchildren, Ashley Johnson, Claire Vesier, Camille Vesier, and Benjamin Mathieu; and one great grandchild, Grace Lynn Couvillion. Warren will be remembered as a devoted father who prioritized the needs of his family. He was an avid outdoorsman and seemed to approach life’s problems through the pragmatic eyes of a scientist. He emphasized to his daughters the value of an education as well as the importance of personal responsibility and loyality to one’s family. Mr. Cockerham enjoyed a great sense of humor and would take delight in a frequent joke or an occasional prank. He was naturally sociable and gregarious. One can still hear the echo of his greeting to strangers. “Hi, I’m Warren Cockerham. Sit down and have a cup of coffee.” His children will miss hearing Warren and cousin Billie Jean Taylor reminisce about growing up in rural LaSalle Parish. The tales of young Warren riding a horse to the Zenoria one room school house paint a picture of a forgotten era. Mr. Cockerham was involved in several civic and community organizations and was an active member of Calvary Baptist Church. Family and friends are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday, February 22, at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home on Jackson Street in Alexandria. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m. followed by a 1 p.m. service conducted by Cliff Stewart, Ph.D. of Calvary Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park under direction of Hixson Brothers, Inc. of Alexandria. His family request memorials be made to the American Lung Association.
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