Dale Cockrell

Dale Kete Cockrell M.D. 79, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. He was born in Double Springs, Al., to Haskell Cockrell and Velma Blake Cockrell. He lived there until he was 13 years old and his family moved to Muncie, Indiana, where he graduated from Muncie Central High School at the age of 16. He then worked until he could join the Navy. After he was honorably discharged Kete returned to Muncie where he earned his college degree at Ball State University (formerly Ball State Teacher's College) in 1962. While there Kete worked a full time job and served as president of his fraternity, Lambda Chi Alpha. Next stop was to Indianapolis, IN, where he entered Indiana University Medical School and graduated in 1967. Then it was on to Phoenix, Arizona for one year where Kete served his internship. With his education behind him he moved back to Indianapolis and started his career as a Family Physician in 1968. During his career he became Board Certified in Addictionology and became a member of ASAM (American Society of Addiction Medicine). Many of his patients said he was a lifesaver for them. Kete also was the Medical Director at St. Vincent's Stress Center for 10 years, served several terms as Director of the Indiana Physicians Assistance program and the Indiana Nurses Assistance Program. He ended his career treating addicted patients and helped so many of them. In 1983 he married his best friend, Nancy Perrey Cockrell and they shared a very loving marriage for 32 years. Kete enjoyed many activities during his life including: golfing (his favorite), skiing, traveling, attending plays, and movies. He was also a big fan of the Indianapolis Colts and had been a member of CCI, Country Club of Indianapolis. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Howard Cockrell, sister, Velma Olene Moody, and niece Nena Cockrell. Kete is survived by his wife, Nancy, children, Dale Kete Cockrell II (Karen), New York, NY, daughter Jill Zengalis (Luigi), Chicago, IL, step-daugher Vicki Hollis (Chris), Lebanon, IN, brother-in-law, Crantford Moody, Double Springs, AL, and a nephew Chris Cockrell, Baytown, TX, grandchildren, Jax and Janie Ingrassia, Tessa and Chance Cockrell, and step-grandchildren, Harrison and Payton Hollis. Kete will be greatly missed by his family and friends and especially by his two dogs, Teddy and Lucky. Visitation will be Friday, October 2, 2015 from 4-8pm at Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel, 325 E. Carmel Drive, Carmel, IN. Funeral service will be Saturday, October 3, 2015 at 12:00pm with additional visitation one hour prior. Entombment will take place at Washington Park North Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the Cockrell family has asked that memorial contributions be made to the American Cancer Society.