BENTON – Mr. William Robert “Bob” Cockrum Sr., age 85, of Benton, passed away at 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at Parkway Manor of Marion, IL.

His wishes are to be cremated.

A graveside service with Military Honors provided by the Carterville American Legion Post # 47, Herrin American Legion Post #645, and the United States Marine Corps, will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 17, 2025, in the Masonic and Odd Fellows Cemetery of Benton.

The Leffler Funeral Home of Benton; is in charge of the arrangements.

Bob was born on July 17, 1939, in Logan, IL; the son of Robert Cockrum and Mary B. (Crawford) Cockrum. On July 3, 1960, he married the former Judith Rae Moore, together they shared 60 years of marriage, until her passing on December 20, 2020.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.

Bob was employed as a truck driver with Arkansas Best Freight, where he received an award for three million plus accident-free miles driven.

Bob was a member of the Church of Christ in West City, IL. He enjoyed dirt track racing and spending time with his brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his siblings, Linda Davis and husband, Gary, of Benton, IL, Betty Vick of Benton, IL, Kathy King of Benton, IL, Curtis Cockrum and wife, Rhonda, of Oak Ridge, TN, Kenneth Cockrum, and wife, Amy, of Benton, IL; several nieces and nephews.

Mr. Cockrum was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and a son, William Robert “Bill” Cockrum, Jr. (January 1, 2023).

Memorial contributions in memory of Bob may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children, and will be accepted at the Leffler Funeral Home, 401 East Main Street, Benton, IL 62812.

To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Bob Cockrum, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.