Donald R. Cockrell, 59, of Centralia, Kansas, died Sunday, April 21, 2013 at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka.

Donald Ray Cockrell was born in Kingman, Kansas to Riley and Myra Work Cockrell. Don graduated from Fairfield High School in Langdon, Kansas. After high school he enrolled in an area vo-tech school to learn the trade of welding. After vo-tech he returned to the Kingman community and worked for area farmers, helping where ever he could. During this time he was very involved in the Coon Hunting Competition of Arlington, Kansas. He was also a regional manager for Eagle Dog Food Company. There he met and married Vivian Sharpe. After they were married they moved to Pawnee City. In 1995 Don and his step-son Josh had a small cattle herd. At this time he formed his own company M and K Farms Pet Food and owned it until his passing. In 2010, Don moved to Centralia, Kansas.

Don loved the outdoors where he was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved doing anything outdoors. He enjoyed his animals and never knew a stranger.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his step-son, Josh (Katie) Sharpe of Mead, Nebraska; a sister, Iva Thorne of Arlington, Kansas; and a brother, Marvin Cockrell of Arlington, Kansas.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 PM Friday, May 3, at Friedens United Church of Christ, located north of Seneca.

Burial will be in Kingman Cemetery in Kingman, Kansas.

Memorials will be designated at a later date.