Dennis Cockrum

Dennis Allen Cockrum passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024 following a brief battle with cancer. Dennis was born June 13, 1947 in Wenatchee to H. Alan and Betty Cockrum. His brother Mike joined the family on July 27, 1949. Dennis attended Wenatchee High School, where prior to graduation he worked for Lloyd’s Auto and Trucking under a work study program. Dennis was drafted into the United States Army in 1967 and served until 1969. Following basic training at Fort Lewis, WA, he was sent to Korea where he obtained the rank of SP5, Motor Pool SGT. Following his discharge from the Army, he returned to Wenatchee and went to work for Columbia Fruit. Dennis then opened his own mechanic shop “Denny’s Shop” located on Horselake Rd. In November of 1984, he relocated his shop to a building on their property up Squilchuck. At this time he also went to work for Chelan County Fire District 1 as a mechanic. In May of 1992, Dennis went to work for the Chelan County PUD in the Fleet Services Dept., where he retired from in March of 2005. After retirement he resumed working in his home shop, mostly working on tractors. Dennis was a man of many interests and talents, from riding horses and snowmobiles to hunting, playing softball, and broomball, both sponsored by Denny’s Shop. In his later years, golf was his game of choice. Denny dedicated much of his time to volunteering for various organizations. Denny was a volunteer fireman for seven years, he belonged to the American Legion Post 10 for 33 years, was an Applearian for 41 years, as well as a member of the Wenatchee Valley Cruisers car club for many years. Dennis met the love of his life, Sharon Moriarty, in 1975 and they were married July 17, 1976. They shared almost 40 years together before her passing in February of 2016. Oh, what adventures they shared. A life well lived and a man well loved. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Dennis was preceded in death by his wife Sharon, brother Mike, parents Alan and Betty Cockrum, grandparents Lon and Charlotte Cockrum, grandparents Robert and Lucy Duncan, Sharon’s parents Fran and Gloria Moriarty and her brother Dennis Moriarty. He is survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Greg and Colleen Hensley; niece Breanne Hensley-Brown (Chris), and great nephews Joshua and Jackson; brother-in-law Kevin Moriarty; nephew Brady Moriarty, and great nieces Poppy and Paisley; nephew Shawn Cockrum (Kristy), and great nephews Austin and Aiden; niece Sundee Sanders (Andy), and great nephew Kannon Sanders; along with many cousins. The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Central Washington Hospital, as well as CWH Hospice for taking excellent care of Denny. A graveside service will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 11 AM with Chaplain Douglas Gardner officiating. The casket will remain closed at all times. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Legion Post 10 in Dennis’s name. A luncheon will follow the service at the Performing Arts Center Orchard Hall, lower floor. Arrangements by Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Dennis Cockrum

June 13, 1947 - May 15, 2024