Earl Cockerham, age 86, of Wide Creek, Kentucky, passed away on November 2, 2026, in the community where he was born and spent his life, surrounded by the place and people he loved. He was born on October 25, 1940, in Wide Creek, Kentucky, to the late Alton Cockerham and Lena Turner Cockerham. Earl was a Christian man whose life was guided by faith, hard work, and devotion to his family. He attended Wide Creek Community Church and lived his life in a way that reflected the values he held dear. Those who knew him best will remember him as faith-filled, handy, and creative, a man who could be counted on to lend a helping hand and find a practical solution to life’s many challenges.
He was united in marriage to Jennifer Cockerham of Wide Creek, and together they shared a life built on love, family, and commitment. Earl was a proud father to Earl Cockerham and his wife Mendy of Beattyville, Kentucky, Odean Maurice Cockerham of Beattyville, Kentucky, Noah Daniel Cockerham of Beattyville, Kentucky, Allie Marshall and her husband Nathaniel of Beattyville, Kentucky, Corina Ann Hall and her friend Danny Spencer of Beattyville, Kentucky, Rita Kay Cockerham and her friend Preston Ward of Beattyville, Kentucky, Essie Mayse and her husband Ronald of Irvine, Kentucky, Hope Mays and her husband Buddy Lee of Beattyville, Kentucky, and Heather Cockerham and her husband Wade of Lost Creek, Kentucky. He also loved and cherished his family deeply, including his sister Maryetta White of Breathitt County, Kentucky.
Earl was preceded in death by his parents, Alton Cockerham and Lena Turner Cockerham, as well as his son Odean Cockerham, his daughter Jennifer Cockerham, and his great granddaughter Ariella Bottom. He was also preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters, all of whom held a special place in his heart and memory. He leaves behind a large and loving family who will carry forward his legacy, including 24 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought him great pride and joy. Earl’s life was marked by quiet strength, steady love, and a deep devotion to those around him. His presence will be missed by all who knew him, but his memory will remain a lasting comfort to his family and friends.
Earl Cockerham will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His life was a testament to faith, family, and perseverance, and his example will continue to inspire those who were blessed to know him. Funeral services Friday, November 6, 2026, at Booneville Funeral Home, with Pastor David Spencer officiating. Burial at Cockerham Family Cemetery in the Wide Creek Community. Boone Funeral in charge of arrangements.
