Eugene "Geno" Cockrahan
July 7, 1932 ~ August 4, 2019
Eugene Cockrahan, 87, of Taylorville, IL passed into eternity on Sunday, August 4, 2019 at Taylorville Care Center.
Eugene, known by most as “Geno”, was born July 7, 1932 at St. Vincent Hospital in Taylorville, the son of Mary Susan (Spears) and William H. Cockrahan.
Geno graduated from Taylorville High School, and went on to proudly serve our country in the United States Army during the Korean War, from 1950-1953. His first job was at La Susa Shoe Shop, and then he would retire from Peabody Coal Mine No. 10 after several years. Geno will be remembered for his involvement in Memorial Day parades, as well as being honored as Grand Marshal in the Fourth of July Parade of 2011. He was a member of the Allen Chapel AME Church in Taylorville, and a lifetime member of the American Legion Post #73.
Geno was preceded in death by his parents; grandmother, Minnie Spears; two sisters Katherine “Kate” Hubbard and Beatrice “Bea” Mitchell; and his long-time companion, B. Louise Ray.
Surviving Geno to cherish his memories are two nieces, Sheila (Artis) Tang of CA, and Sharon (Hubbard) Willis of Forsyth, IL; three nephews, Wilbur “Jr.” Hubbard of TX, Richard Allen Hubbard of Forsyth, IL, and Carl Hubbard of Taylorville, IL; and many great and great-grand nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express a special thanks to the staff at Taylorville Care Center
for the love and support given to him, as well as to Dr. Gill and the hospice team for their help making him comfortable. Thank you all, from Geno’s family. 23rd Psalms
Visitation and Funeral Ceremony: The family will receive guests from 10:00 a.m. until the time of ceremony at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 7, 2019 at Shafer-Perfetti & Assalley Funeral Home, 202 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568, with Rev. Tiney Walker officiating.
Interment will follow the ceremony at Oak Hill Cemetery in Taylorville, IL, with military honors provided by the American Legion Post #73, V.F.W. Post #4495, and the Department of Defense.
Memorial contributions may be made to: American Legion Post #73, 110 W. Franklin St., Taylorville, IL 62568.
Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to offer condolences to the family.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
My sympathy to the family. Always loved to chat with Geno and shoot a friendly game of pool. He was a friend to all
My Sympathy To The Family, There Will Never Be Another Geno. Geno Was The Man.
My Sympathy To The Family, Everybody That Knew Him Loved Him. Geno The Man.
May God Be With The Family At This Time, There Will Never Be Another Geno Like Geno.
It was my honor to have known Mr. Cockrahan since my youth. From his days at La Susa’s to his commitment in the armed service and as a veteran, he made his community a better place. My condolences to his loved ones.
My symphony to the family. I met Geno years ago at the American Legion while serving as a post officer for years. We worked Bingo for quite a few years. He was a good man and a good friend. I moved away from Taylorville 19 years ago to Springfield. I am a Federal officer at the Springfield airport for the last fifteen years. My schedule made it impossible to get to Taylorville to attend the meetings at the post where Geno was Chaplain for quite a few years. He knew my father well also, M. Rex Keller. He will be sadly missed by family and friends.