Richard Lawrence Cockriel, of Dixon, was born on December 11, 1928, at Edgerton, a son of Elmer and Hattie (Denney) Cockriel, who preceded him in death as well as brothers and sisters. He departed this life at 10:40 a.m., on Wednesday, May 31, 2017, in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center, Rolla. Richard had been in failing health for the past five years and had attained the age of 88 years, 5 months, and 20 day.

Richard was united in marriage on September 23, 1954, at Mannheim, Germany, to the former Miss Hildegard Elfriede Gregor.

He was a member of the Dixon United Methodist Church, a member and past commander of the Liesmann-Roberts American Legion Post 298, Dixon; and a member of the Arlington Lodge No. 346 A.F. & A.M., Dixon. Richard and his wife, Hilda, especially enjoyed the monthly social interaction with fellow members and friends of the Dixon High 12 Club. He had participated in numerous community activities through the years as a willing volunteer, and as a favorite activity, fishing was his number one choice.

Richard began his military career on March 21, 1946, at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, when he entered into active federal service in the Army of the United States and served for twenty years until his retirement on August 31, 1966, at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, when he was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant (E-5). Prior to his service, he was employed as an auto mechanic, which became his specialty as a 63H40 Auto Repairman, throughout his career. In addition to his duty stations in the United States, he had served in Germany, Africa, Ecuador, plus others, and was entitled to wear the World War II Victory Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, the Good Conduct Medal (2nd Award), the National Defense Service Medal, the AOM (G), the Marksman (Carbine) Badge, as well as receiving numerous commendations, citations, and Letters of Appreciations. A man of excellent character, Richard's "Honorable Discharge" is a testimonial of honest and faithful service to his country at the conclusion of World War II, during the Korean Conflict, and at the beginning of the Vietnam War. After Richard retired from the military, he was employed by Civil Service, at Fort Leonard Wood, as a Mechanic, and worked there for eighteen year prior to his final retirement.

Those left to mourn the passing of Richard include: His loving and devoted wife of almost 63 years, Hilda Cockriel, of the home near Dixon; sister, Kay Goucher, of O'Fallon; brother and sister-in-law, Joachin and Edith Gregor, of Grossraschen, Germany; nephews; nieces; special friends, Eddie and Wanda Baker, of Dixon; other relatives; and a host of friends.