Virgil S. Cocklin

Virgil Stanley Cocklin, 87, of Massillon, passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2017 peacefully in his sleep. Born in Massillon on July 20, 1930, Virgil was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years Lois Jean (Bremkamp) Cocklin, parents Arthur and Euphemia Cocklin, brother Roland Cocklin and sisters Doris Hauger and Geraldine (Peg) Widing. Virgil was an employee of the Eaton Reliance Corporation for 15 years before changing careers and pursuing a longtime dream of becoming an educator. He began teaching Machining at Parma Valley Forge High School in 1963 and concluded his career at Washington High School, his alma mater. Virgil was also an avid fisherman and hunter, a passion he passed on to his sons and grandsons. Virgil is survived by his children Tim (Margaret) Cocklin, Debbie (Bill) Bowden, and Mark (Leslie) Cocklin; his grandchildren Andy (Tiffany) Cocklin, Aubrey Cocklin, Brennen (Jenny) Cocklin, Megan (Ryan) Ridgley, Chris (Amanda) Bowden and Trent Bowden; and five great grandchildren, as well as, brothers Richard and Robert Cocklin, and sisters Barb Strobel and Evelyn Fichter. The funeral service will be held at 2:00PM on Sunday, September 17, 2017 at the Paquelet Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends one hour prior to the service. A private burial at Brookfield Cemetery will be held at a later time. The family wishes to publicly thank the staff of Amherst Meadows Nursing Home for their heartfelt kindness, concern and care. And in lieu of flowers, suggests donations be made to the American Red Cross or the Salvation Army Hurricane Relief Funds.