Carl Edward Cocherell

Carl E. Cocherell

July 4, 1943 – May 26, 2024

Carl E. Cocherell, age 80, passed away Sunday, May 26, 2024, at his home in Carleton, Michigan.

Born in California on July 4, 1943, Carl was the only son of Benjamin and Opal (Hefley) Cocherell. He grew up with four sisters who doted on him and believed he could do no wrong. Being surrounded by females was good preparation for Carl’s future role as a “Girl Dad”.

Service was baked into Carl’s DNA. He proudly served his country, his family, his God and his community.

As a young man, Carl joined the United States Airforce and served as a crew chief in Vietnam. Carl’s meticulous care of the aircraft assigned to him, boosted the confidence of his pilots as they embarked on perilous combat missions. That experience informed the way he approached everything that he would do in the future.

Anyone who knew Carl knew of his devotion and service to “His Girls”. Carl would beam with pride when speaking of his four daughters and the love of his life, Sara. A hardworking man, Carl always found time to fix what was broken, build what needed to be built and generally support the women in his life. After retiring from General Motors, seeing to them became his full-time job.

Carl’s strong faith in God was his anchor and foundation. His service to God meant serving the people of his community. An integral part of the Carleton Church of God, Carl touched countless lives as Sunday school superintendent, song leader, and mentor. Many children, now grown, remember with fondness the quarters that Carl would giveaway every Sunday.

Carl loved the outdoors. He was an avid deer hunter, sports fan and runner. He qualified for and completed the Boston Marathon twice, a proud accomplishment for him. Carl loved a good joke and was a great storyteller.

Perhaps Carl’s most endearing quality was his edification of others. Those of us who were fortunate enough to be the recipients of his love and admiration will forever remember how he made us feel. For that alone, he will be greatly missed.

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sisters, Barbara Johnson and Charlotte Miller and a daughter, Patty Dean Doty.

He leaves behind his wife, Sara Ford Cocherell, daughters Carla (Dave) Nutt, Roxanna Cocherell and Tammy Foster, six grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and a long list of loving nieces and nephews. He is survived by his sisters Faye Richardson and Brenda (Al) Schlipp.

Everyone is invited to a visitation on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at Redeemer Fellowship Baptist Church (5305 Evergreen Dr, Monroe, MI 48161) from 2 to 4 pm. A celebration of life service will start at 4 pm on Thursday. Officiating is Pastor of the Church, John Piippo. Burial will take place at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to www.ruppfuneralhome.inc