Terry K. Cockrum, age 83, of Benton and formerly of Sesser; passed away Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the SIH Memorial Hospital of Carbondale, Illinois.
Terry was born Mar. 22, 1942, to Kenneth W. Cockrum and Emma Louise “Jackie” Van Hoorebeke.
Terry graduated from Sesser High School in the Class of 1960. For over 25 years, he worked as an auditor for the State of Illinois. He also owned and managed the Sesser Grain Company with his father. From 1987-2007, Terry and his wife Penry owned and operated Poulson Funeral Home in Benton.
Terry and his wife Alyce “Coleman” Cockrum shared a deep connection, characterized by laughter, conversation, and shared adventures. For eight years, they were constant companions, cherishing late-night chats and exploring the town of Sesser, Illinois, in their side-by-side vehicle.
Terry had a passion for capturing the beauty of Southern Illinois through his lens. He enjoyed taking candid photographs of animals, architecture, and people. He would say that the only thing he shoots these days are pictures. His generous spirit always made those around him feel welcome and at ease. He appreciated a good meal and the opportunity to share it with family and friends.
Terry was survived by his children, Chris (Lee) Cockrum, Baltimore, Maryland, Craig (Chrissy Boyd) Cockrum, Sesser, and Vickie Cockrum, St. Charles, Missouri, Steffaney (Tom Welty) Seagle, John (Traci) Brennan, Orfordville, Wisconsin and his foster brother Jerry (Sylvia) Herman, Madison, Tennessee
Those who knew Terry fondly remember him as a gifted storyteller, particularly when it came to his youthful exploits. His narratives often portrayed him as a bit of a rebel, indulging in “wild times”. He possessed a quick wit and a love for surprising people with his jokes.
He loved his grandchildren, who referred to him as Papa Terry. Samantha Cockrum, O’Fallon, Missouri, Lance (Kaydee) Cockrum, Benton, Haley Cockrum, Germany, Graham Brennan, Jamesville, Wisconsin, Hannah (Austin Baker) Brennan, Middleburg, Florida. His great grandchildren Briggsten Cockrum, Benton and Kennedy Cockrum, Benton.
Terry was preceded in death by his parents Kenny and Jackie Cockrum, his first wife of 19 years Mary “Williams” Cockrum, and his second wife of 30 years Penry “Poulson” Cockrum.
There will be a Celebration of Life open house from 11:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 at Brewed on Broadway “Gualdoni Building”, 102 West Franklin Avenue, Sesser, Illinois 62884. All are encouraged to attend this informal gathering to remember and celebrate Terry and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Horse Prairie Cemetery or Friends of Franklin County Animal Control. Donations will be accepted during the Celebration of Life or at Leffler Funeral Home, 401 E Main St. Benton, IL 62812.
Leffler Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
To leave online condolences to the family, or to share memories of Terry, visit www.lpfuneralhome.com.
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