Major Douglas Michael Cockrum, USAF retired and Vietnam Veteran died on Monday, September 17, 2012 after a multi-year journey with cancer. He was cared for during his last weeks by the excellent staff at the Fort Meade Community Living Center (Veteran's Administration Hospice). Doug was preceded in death by his three siblings, Carol Walker, Dave Cockrum & Rosie Cockrum; his parents, Emmett and Virginia "Fern" Cockrum; and his second wife Sharon "Shari" Cockrum.

In addition to a legacy of proud military service, love of history, clocks, museum science, scouting, cars, dogs and music, Doug leaves behind his children, Kimberly Cockrum of Spearfish, SD and Matthew Cockrum of Ann Arbor, MI; step-children, Stephanie Krebsbach and Stacy Moore of Rapid City, SD; fiancé, Pennie Mattson of Rapid City, SD; and former wife Suzy McKay of Spearfish, SD and caring extended family.

Burial arrangements are being made by Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis, SD (1235 Junction Avenue Sturgis SD 57785). A military funeral will be held at the Black Hills National Cemetery in Sturgis, SD, on Friday, September 21 at 12:00 p.m. Family and friends are asked to gather at Kinkade Funeral Chapel at 11:30 a.m. prior to going to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in Doug's name to Dakota Choral Union's "perpetual fund account" at www.dakotachoralunion.org or Dakota Choral Union, P.O. Box 9803, Rapid City, SD 57709.