Chris Cockrell

Chris Cockrell, age 42 of Gatesville, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023. 

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023 at Turnersville Community Tabernacle.  Interment will follow at Turnersville Cemetery. 

Christopher Dale Cockrell was born on October 25, 1980 in Clifton.  He went to school in Gatesville, graduating from Gatesville High School in 1999, where he was active in football, track and FFA.  Chris was known for being a jokester and always having a fun time. He had an uncanny ability to break the ice, and in general, was a very friendly person. He was a joy to be around.  He married Lyndsie Latham at age 27 and built a home in Turnersville, where they were regularly active hunting, fishing, and spending time with family and friends. They welcomed his oldest son, Sadler Dale Cockrell, into the world in 2012. Chris was a highly attentive father who was hands on from the start.  His passion was team roping. He was certainly handy with a rope and was a good horseman as well. He enjoyed success in the arena and was proud of those accomplishments. 

Later in life, Chris and Kristen Manning fell in love and together, they built a life in Jonesboro. He became a stepfather to Landri and Gentri and in 2019, his youngest son, Sterlin Dane Cockrell was born. He spent his days working to provide for his family and supporting his children in their numerous activities. He worked tirelessly to transform their property into a beautiful home with his fine craftmanship. He was dedicated to making whatever he touched top notch. He was a Jack-of-all-trades and a master of many. He truly could “ride, rope, hammer, and paint, do things with his hands that most men can’t.” He worked as a construction superintendent for Jerry Wright Homes for 14 years, overlooking countless projects.  He currently owned and operated a fencing company, C3 Fences & Barns, and prided himself on fabricating quality fences, arenas and barns. Agriculture was a central focus in his life. Often, he listened to or watched live auctions on his phone. He spent hours researching techniques to be successful at different endeavors. He kept up with Professional Rodeo, college football and you can guarantee he was going to be watching those Cowboys. He was a music connoisseur and particularly loved Texas Country Music.  

Chris will be deeply missed by his family and friends. He was important and he was loved.  

He was preceded in death by his son, Kaycee Dale Cockrell; and grandparents, Kathleen and Buck Cockrell. 

Chris is survived by his wife, Kristen Manning; children, Sadler Dale Cockrell, Sterlin Dane Cockrell, Landri Ryanne McFarlin, Gentri Marie McFarlin; parents, Donna Glass Olson and husband, James; Bradley Cockrell and wife, Tonia; grandparents, Donald and Louise Glass; brothers, Blayne Cockrell. Andrew Gover and wife, Courtney; and a sister, Tamara Cockrell. 

In lieu of flowers, the family has established a benefit account for Chris’s children at the First National Bank of Evant, Gatesville and Oglesby.