Olen Cockrell
March 9, 1924 - March 29, 2012

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David Olen Cockrell, 88, one of seven children of Earl Hix Cockrell and Vera Cockrell was born March 9, 1924, in Drew County (Green Hill Community), and departed this life, March 29, 2012 in his home in Monticello.

Olen graduated from Drew Central High School in 1942 and attended Arkansas A &M. He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving stateside in clothing and small stores, which led to his lifelong passion, retail business. He was known to say he loved everyday he went to work; also, he didn't want to retire because he remembered the Great Depression.

Survivors are his wife of 61 years, Sue Riley Cockrell, a Hamburg, AR native, and their three daughters and families, namely; Suzanne and David Hamblen of Russellville, AR, and their two sons, Nathan of Bella Vista, AR and Joshua, wife Jessica, son David and daughter Lilly, Chattanooga, TN; Jane Jo and Wayne Summerford of Ray, ND and her children, Casey Bone, of Little Rock and Lauren and Daniel Stutts, Gracen and Madden of Spokane, WA; and Sarah and John Martin and twins Tyler and Lana, all of Monticello; one brother, Bob and wife Pauline of Monticello and a sister Mildred King of North Little Rock.

Preceding Olen in death were three brothers, Delbert who died in childhood, Elmon and James and a sister, Jessie Johnson.

Olen was a Deacon in Pauline Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years and served in other capacities through the years, including janitor. He was a lifetime member of Eureka Lodge No. 40, F.&A.M. He formerly served on the Monticello School Board, City Council, and was a charter member of Kiwanis Club, serving as its president, as well as other offices. Olen was on the board of Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council and served as its Treasurer many years. He received the Hanna Hyatt Award, "for service to the children of Arkansas Baptist Home for Children," and in 2004 was named "Monticello's Man of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission.

Olen began employment in a shoe store in 1948 and continued in the same business 40 years, working his way to full ownership. Its name became Cockrell's Shoes and Accessories in 1970. He will be remembered for his kind nature, and love of people.