Robert Eugene "Bob" Cockrum

Robert (Bob) Eugene Cockrum passed away August 22, 2022, in Indianapolis, IN, at the age of 88 years. Bob was born on September 8, 1933, in Jeffersonville, IN to Joel Thomas and Emma Jane (Foster) Cockrum. He graduated from New Albany High School in 1951. In 1955, he graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering and a United States Army Reserve Officer Commission via the Purdue ROTC program.
Bob served two years on active duty in Germany and France. He retired from military service, in 1987, as a Colonel having served 10 years in the Indiana National Guard and 20 years in the Army Reserves.
Bob’s civilian career included two years as an airport lighting engineer with the Federal Aviation Agency at Weir Cook Airport. He worked five years for Hazeltine Electronics Co. as a supervisor in the engineering program administration department. In 1964, he was hired by Allison Division of General Motors as an Engineering Program Administrator in the Aircraft Engine Plant. In 1981, he was transferred to the Transmission Engineering Plant. He retired from GM in 1991.
Bob was a community activist who was involved in several organizations. He served, from 1970 to 1978, on the Metropolitan School District of Decatur Township School Board. In 1995, he was elected to the Indianapolis City-County Council where he served from 1996 to 2012. The last four years, he served as President of the council. Since 1968, he was a member of the Valley Mills Christian Church.
Bob is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary L. (Lincks) Cockrum, one daughter, Karen Dillow (Bill), three sons: Michael Cockrum, Barry Cockrum and Rob Cockrum (Darci), five grandchildren: Chandler, Alexander (Sara), Nicole, Courtney and Chloe. He is, also, survived by two brothers: Donald Cockrum and Kenneth Cockrum.
Calling hours will be held at the Flanner Buchanan Decatur Township, 5463 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46221 on August 29th, from 3:00 – 8:00 pm. An additional hour of calling will be on August 30th prior to the funeral service, which will be at 11:00 am, at Valley Mills Christian Church, 5555 Kentucky Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46221. Burial and military honors will be at West Newton Cemetery, 6701 Milton St., West Newton, IN 46183. Memorial gifts in remembrance of Bob may be sent to Valley Mills Christian Church or Decatur Township Scholarship Association (5251 Kentucky Ave., Indianapolis, IN 46221).