Francis C. “Ted” Cockrell, Jr., 77, of Burlington, died October 10, 2025, at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, surrounded by the love of his family. A devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Ted’s warmth, strength, and unwavering dedication to his family left an indelible mark on all who knew him.
Born on June 18, 1948, in Washington, D.C., Ted was the cherished son of the late Francis “Ted” Cockrell, Sr., and Annabelle B. (Thompson) Cockrell. On March 7, 1970, he married Mary E. Orton. She preceded him in death on October 1, 2020.
Ted graduated from Burlington Community High School in 1966, where he forged lifelong friendships and a deep connection to his hometown. A patriot at heart, he proudly served in the U.S. Navy, embodying a commitment to duty and service that defined much of his life. For many years, Ted was a dedicated employee at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant, where his strong work ethic and camaraderie earned him the respect of colleagues and friends alike. In 2013 Ted decided it was time to retire after 28 years at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant. In Ted’s younger years he enjoyed bowling on leagues and served for many years as a Boy Scout troop leader in the 90’s. He and Mary loved to attend the Burlington Bee’s baseball games together. Every day Ted enjoyed sitting down and watching the television show Emergency and westerns, especially a good John Wayne western.
Above all, Ted was a devoted father whose love for his children was the cornerstone of his life. His gentle humor, boundless patience, and knack for storytelling made him a hero to his children and a beloved figure to his grandchildren. His legacy of love and resilience will live on through the countless memories he created with those he held dear.
Ted is survived by his five children: son Sean (Lynn) Cockrell of Southport, NC, identical twin sons Johnathan (Carrie) Cockrell of Ely, Iowa, and Joseph Cockrell of Laguna Beach, Calif., daughter Kerry (Mike) Robertson of Burlington, and daughter Sarah (Mike) Palmer of Middletown. He was a proud and loving grandfather to fourteen grandchildren: Caleb Cockrell, Alicia Cockrell, Mauren Cockrell, Molly Cockrell, Lucy Cockrell, Kylie Palmer, Dillon Palmer, Dawson Palmer, Samantha Robertson, Kaylah Robertson, Donald Robertson, Jemma Robertson, Anthony Robertson, and Mason Robertson, and a doting great-grandfather to Tyler Cockrell and Damarion Wright. He is also survived by his sister, Teresa Cockrell of West Des Moines, and numerous other extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Mary, and sister Marion Bachtell.
The funeral service for Ted will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, October 16, 2025, at Lunning Chapel. Military rites will be conducted by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. The visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at Lunning Chapel where the family will meet with friends. Interment will be held in Long Creek Cemetery at a later date.
Ted’s light will continue to shine in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered.