John P. Cockrell

John P. Cockrell, age 72, of Carthage, Texas, passed away on Friday night, May 15, 2026, in Carthage.

John Perry Cockrell was born on February 16, 1954, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to the late John Douglas and Ruth Elise Midyett Cockrell. He graduated from Carthage High School with the Class of 1972, and later attended Stephen F. Austin State University.

John proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1974 until his honorable discharge in 1976. During his service, he attended the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where he worked in computer programming. Following his military service, John spent a year in Saudi Arabia working alongside his father in the pipeline construction industry.

He devoted the remainder of his professional career to the field of information technology, working as an I.T. specialist and engineer until his retirement. A lifelong student of technology and innovation, John was especially grateful to have lived long enough to witness the rise of the Artificial Intelligence era he had long anticipated. Beyond his passion for computers, he was an avid reader and enjoyed studying a wide range of subjects throughout his life.

John spent 16 years living in Houston before making his home in Lufkin for more than 30 years. In 2025, he returned to Carthage to be closer to his family.

John is survived by his son, Skylar Cockrell; his brother, Mike Cockrell and wife Lisa; his sisters, Cindy Cockrell Cassity, Susie Cockrell Parker, and Elise Cockrell Ritter and husband Bobby; along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be shared at www.jimerson-lipsey.com.