OBITUARY: Danny Eugene Cockroft, 66, of Burnet dies June 20, 2014
At a young 66 years of age, Danny Eugene Cockroft of Burnet, Texas, was called home to heaven by our most gracious heavenly Father on June 20, 2014, at 4:29 p.m. He was in the comfort of his home and surrounded by his loving family.
Danny, the only son of the late Wincie and Jesse Cockroft, also of Burnet, was born in Los Angeles on July 28, 1947. He grew up in Seymour, Texas, where he graduated high school in 1965. Soon after high school, Danny attended linemen school, which served as the foundation for a 31-year career with GTE (now Verizon), from which he retired in 1999 as a telephone engineer.
In 2001, he began employment with the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office, leading the inmate work program until 2008.
In 1973, Danny met and married the love of his life, Sue (“Susie” as he called her), and they embarked on a wonderful life of matrimony and unconditional love. That same year, they moved to Burnet to start a family. Susie, a registered nurse, was by his side through the thick and thin of life and was his greatest pride and bearer of his most precious gifts: his two sons.
Danny was a God-fearing man and accepted Christ at an early age. He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Burnet. Danny’s hobbies in life were hunting and fishing, both of which he enjoyed tremendously, especially when accompanied by his sons.
Danny pursued an adult lifelong study in freemasonry. He was a member of Valley Lodge No. 175 of Burnet. As a teacher and student, alike, he was associated with the greatest of honorable men — men who were more than friends; men who were brethren.
Danny was a life member of Valley Lodge #175 Ancient Free and Accepted Mason in Burnet. He was a Lifetime Esoteric certificate holder and former district deputy grand master of the 49th Masonic District of Texas. Danny received numerous awards from his home lodge, including the L.A. “Bunk” Gibbs award and the Golden Trowel award. Danny was an active member of the Scottish Rite, from which he was awarded the 33rd Degree Inspector General Honorary, one of the highest honors that can be bestowed upon a Mason. He served as a dedicated member of the Scottish Rite Dyslexia board of directors. His Masonic career included serving as high priest of the Burnet chapter and thrice illustrious master of the Burnet council and member of the Burnet Commandry and worthy patron for the Burnet Chapter of the Eastern Star. Danny was also a member of Ben Hur Shrine and The Royal Order of Scotland.
He could always find time to give a friend needed council or instruction to a young Mason. His many accomplishments are merely reminders of his unwavering love for friends and his Masonic family.
Danny is survived by the following family members: his wife of 40 years, Susie; sons, Cody and wife Kina of Houston and Zac of Burnet; grandsons, Brendan and Quinlan Cockroft; and step-grandsons, Kullen, Tristan and Ethan Adamcik.
A funeral service was June 23 at First Baptist Church in Burnet with the Revs. Doug Lindley and Don Long officiating. A Masonic graveside ceremony and interment followed at Post Mountain Cemetery. Pallbearers were William Teague, Joe Pollock, Rickie Allen, Lamar Schooley, Jack Phillips, Bill Weaver, Tom Oughton and Donald Fawcett. Honorary pallbearers were Jim Barho, Sam Phillips, Henry Parker and Buck Daricek.
In lieu flowers, contributions in memory of Danny should be made to the Scottish Rite Hospital for Children.
Arrangements by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 306 Texas 29 East in Burnet, (512) 756-2222. Go to www.clementswilcoxburnet.com to offer condolences.