Robert Cocherell, Jr.

Colonel Robert Cocherell, Jr. (Bob) passed away on January 15, 2021. Just as he dealt with all experiences in life, Bob managed his illness with strength, grace, and a tireless sense of humor. Nothing gave him more pleasure than to spend his time with his loving family and his beloved wife, Carol Rodgers-Cocherell. During his final days he was surrounded by his children and his wife, who he adored more than anything else in the world.

He is survived by his wife, Carol of 29 years, and preceded in death by his loving wife. Bernice Cocherell, loving mother of sons John and Michael, and daughter Carol DeMane, son-in-law Stephen DeMane, granddaughters Christine DeMane and Whitney DeMane and daughter, Cathy Rhine.

Bob was born December 13, 1923 to parents, Robert and Rosie May in Ottumwa, Iowa, and graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1942. During his high school time, Bob competed in sports and was an all-state player in baseball and basketball, winning the 1942 Iowa State Basketball Championship as an allstate guard. In 2001, Bob was inducted into the Ottumwa High School Sports Program as one of the five outstanding athletes of the 20th century.

After high school, Bob completed one year of college at the University of Iowa before enlisting in the Air Force in 1943 to support the war effort. Bob served 31 years with distinction, winning numerous awards and accolades, including the Legion of Merit,

and retired in 1974 with the rank of Colonel. During the war, Bob flew 13 missions over Germany, the last six as the lead crew. His 31 years of service saw Bob stationed in 14 assignments stateside and 3 foreign assignments.

In 1976, with his son John and partners, Bob started Zip Lube, Inc., a quick-lube operation in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They built 9 stations in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Rio Rancho over the course of 29 years and sold the business in 2005.

In his twilight years, Bob enjoyed spending time with his wife Carol, his children and grandchildren, and playing golf with family and friends. Bob was as loyal a friend as a person could be. His “buddies” were lifelong. He and Carol bought a winter home in Arizona and enjoyed all of their friends in that golfing community. While he could score in the high 70’s and low 80’s on the golf course, it was a family joke that as he got older he was always able to shoot better than his age.

Bob was a “Peaceful Warrior” and the epitome of what a real man truly is… strong, caring, loving, humble and full of love and warmth for everyone he touched. He was from the “Great Generation” of men that had love of country and set a high standard for integrity and honor. He left a big imprint on many souls.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of the Valley, Phoenix, Arizona or the Wounded Warrior Project. Celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date.