Obituary of Donald Cockream

Donald W. Cockream Age 69, of Elwood, passed away Friday, September 19, 2014 at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center with his family by his side. Born May 20, 1945 in Morris, he was the son of Raymond E. and Dorothy M (Attaway) Cockream. He was a graduate of Morris High School, Class of 1963. Don was a member of the United States Marine Corps and was part of the official Marine troops first landing in Vietnam on March 8, 1965. He served two tours of duty and was honorably discharged in September of 1967. He married Mary Ann Lamping at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Joliet, on November 12, 1966. Don worked for Commonwealth Edison at Station 29, retiring as Unit Operator after 32 years of service. He also served with the Elwood Fire Department for 20 years, retiring as Captain. He was an active member of Sacred Heart Church, a Eucharistic Minister, and former president of the Parish Council. He was also a former 4-H leader, Extra Class Amateur Radio Operator with Will County and Grundy County Emergency Management Agencies, and member of TOPS, New Lenox Chapter, and a life member of Stone city VFW Post #2199. He enjoyed NASCAR racing and traveling to various race tracks, and enjoyed camping across the country. He and his wife were also a team couple for Worldwide Marriage Encounter. Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Mary Ann (nee Lamping) Cockream, who he married November 12, 1966 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Joliet. Also surviving are his son, Greg R. (Jennifer) Cockream of Wilmington; his daughter, Michelle R. (Gary, Jr.) Kurbis of Elwood; four loved grandchildren, Jessica A. Bertino, Emily M. Cockream, Gary L. Kurbis III, and Nathan D. Kurbis; brothers, Raymond G. (Linda) Cockream and Robert (Judy) Cockream; sister, Sharon (Charles) Crumb; special aunt and uncle, Betty and Dick Powers; sister-in-law, Marie F. Strysik; brother-in-law, Clarence W. (Patricia) Lamping; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and special friends, Chris Lachowski, Ray Spreitzer, and Jim Offrink. He was preceded by his parents; one sister, Terri L. Fannin; and two brothers-in-law, Mitchell Fannin and Joseph J. Strysik. Don will be greatly missed by everyone whose life he touched, and will live forever in our hearts and memories. Funeral Services for Donald W. Cockream will be Thursday, September 25, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. from the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rd., Joliet to Sacred Heart Catholic Church for Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation Wednesday, 3-8 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sacred Heart Family Table, The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, or Joliet Area Community Hospice would be appreciated. For information: 815-741-5500.