Bernie Cockrum

Bernie A. Cockrum Jr., 78, passed away peacefully on December 9, 2025, surrounded by immediate family and friends. 

Bernie was born on July 2, 1947, in West Plains, Missouri, to Bernie Sr. and Della Cockrum. Raised in small-town Missouri, he developed a strong work ethic at an early age while working on a farm. He spent 26 years in the warehouse industry, where he served as a foreman, before continuing his career with the North Kansas City School District. There, he worked in the custodial department for 14 years leading up to his retirement from the work force in 2010. But it was in the ministry that Bernie found his true passion and shared his love of the Lord with others. He had a gift for guiding and shaping young lives, which he exhibited through his many years of service as a teacher in Sunday school and junior church, as well as a youth leader in Bible-based programs like Awana. Whether he was at home, church, work, or otherwise, one thing followed Bernie everywhere he went; he was loved and admired by those around him for his kindness, generosity, and witty sense of humor. His faith was the foundation of his life and guided him in all that he did. It was through his church that he met the love of his life, Madelaine. They were married on March 14, 1980, and spent 45 wonderful years together. Five years later, they shared the birth of their only child together. In his free time, Bernie enjoyed watching baseball and NASCAR, as well as reading books and listening to Christian music and oldies. His great sense of humor and warm personality brought laughter and joy to those around him. Bernie is preceded in death by his parents and sister, Glenda Jo Suddarth. He will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife, Madelaine; son, Blake; sister, Barbara Dickerson; brother, Charles Cockrum; 11 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and many extended family and friends. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Terrace Park Funeral Home & Cemetery on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, with visitation beginning at 1:00pm, followed by the funeral service at 2:00pm, and burial.