Robert Irving Cockhill Jr.

robert cockhill

Major Robert Irving Cockhill, Jr, 56, most recently of New Braunfels, TX, passed on to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, February 3, 2025 at his home in New Braunfels. Robert ‘Bob/Bobby’ bravely faced his battle with both Huntington’s Disease and cancer over the past several years with pure strength and determination to live for his children, Bailey and Grant. Born on September 4, 1968 in Chicago, IL, he was the son of the late Robert Irving Cockhill, Sr. and Bernadette O’Brien. Bob’s mom relocated to Texas just prior to Bob’s cancer diagnosis to help Bob with the care of his children and with his illness.

Bob was a forever Chicago fan, “Hey, how ya doin’?” As an avid Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears fan, you were guaranteed to get a “Hell ya” or “Da Bears” comment sometime throughout the season. Hockey was Bob’s passion – he was a force on the ice. When he coached Grant’s teams, he always tried to teach the kids to never stop learning, and what you learn on the ice applies to life.

Bob always found the most unique ways to share, teach, or instruct you on all things political. He took to heart JFK’s quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.” Bob impressively served in the Marine Corp and then with the Army National Guard for 15 active years over a 23 year period. He was our warrior hero. Later, he used his analytical skills as he read and deciphered the Bible. He loved to share his learnings, and encouraged his kids, family, and friends to read and learn the messages in the Bible. His love for his family was above all other things. He was a devoted father.+

Bob’s immense personality was larger than life. He will leave a hole in our hearts, and a smile on our faces. He loved big and his hugs were even bigger. The stories of Bobby always included fun, and trouble may not have been too far behind. He never walked into a room without being noticed.

Bob is survived by spouse Ashley Cockhill; beloved children, Bailey and Grant; Sister, Colleen Crous (Bill); Brother, Steven Cockhill (Theresa); Sister-In-Law Christa DeLucca (Jimmy); nephew Colin Crous (Hailey); nieces, Kaily Crous Turner (Payton), Nicole DeLucca, Addison Cockhill; Great nephew Will; his entire Cockhill and O’Brien family; Mother-in-Law Aggie Knoblock (George); and his lifelong friendships. Bob was known for his loyalty from the people he loved.

A visitation will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel from 2:00pm – 6:00pm. Funeral Service will be held at the Lux Funeral Home Chapel on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at 10:30am with interment at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery with Full Military Honors to follow promptly at 1:15 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Bob Cockhill to Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

Services

Visitation: Monday, February 24, 2025 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1254 Business 35 N.
New Braunfels, TX 78130

830-624-0500
https://www.luxfhcares.com/

Service: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 10:30 am

Lux Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1254 Business 35 N.
New Braunfels, TX 78130

830-624-0500
https://www.luxfhcares.com/

Graveside: Tuesday, February 25, 2025 1:15 pm

Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Rd.
San Antonio, TX 78209

210.820.3891

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  1. Bob was a bright and hardworking man who held himself to extraordinary standards. His warm voice and resilience in the face of challenges will always be remembered. He loved to write and especially admired the works of Ernest Hemingway (The Old Man And The Sea) and Ayn Rand (Atlas Shrugged), which informed his philosophy on life in his youth. I was privileged to know him the last 3 decades or so, and admired his dedication to advancing medical science to find new treatments for Huntington´s Disease, by volunteering himself for multiple experimental studies. He wanted to create a more hopeful future for his children. He loved coaching his son´s hockey team and wanted the best for his family. He was a good Marine, admired by many, and a loyal friend. He will truly be missed.

    • Thank you Sarah for your kind words. I was just rereading his ‘books’ late last night. Such a brilliant mind. ❤️🙏💪🇺🇸☘️

      • Thank you! How wonderful that we can continue to connect with him through his books. Yes, indeed, Colleen. His brilliant mind was what I loved most about him. ❤️ 💪 🇺🇸☘️🙏

  2. Our condolences to Bob’s entire family but especially Ashley, Bailey & Grant. While we did not get to spend time with Bob, it is easy to tell what an amazing person he was and the determination he fought with. This tribute is a beautiful reflection and I hope his family can hang on and live with such determination until you meet again. All our love, Aunt Linda & Uncle Scott

  3. To Bailey and Grant,

    Your dad was an amazing father and hero and his love for you would fill the ocean and the sky! He fought with every breath he had to be with you in his human form, as long as possible, and now he has a heavenly form and is watching over you from above! Only now, he has no pain and no restrictions of this world. He has God at his side. He is light and love and he will be with you in every sunrise and in every sunset! When you look at the stars in the sky, you will feel him watching over you. In every breath you take and every decision you make, make him proud! And don’t be surprised, if the Chicago Bears end up winning the Super Bowl next year!

  4. Dear Bailey and Grant,

    Your dad loved you so very much! You were his world! He was not only an amazing dad. He was a real live hero! He fought with every breath to stay with you in his physical body as long as possible, but now he is up above watching over your every move and action. He has no more pain and like God, he is light and love! You will see him in every sunrise and in every sunset! And when you look at the stars in the sky, you will see him looking back at you! In every thing you say or do, make him proud! He deserves that!!

    And don’t be surprised if next year the Chicago Bears have a winning season and end up in the Super Bowl! And angels may start wearing orange!

    Love you forever,

    Grandma Aggie

  5. It was a distinct honor and privilege to work with Bobby for 25 months in the Nevada Army National Guard to keep our great country strong and safe. He brought his “warrior ethos” honed in combat in Iraq to the mission. He was a natural leader and Soldiers and others who came to know him had deep respect for this amazing American warrior. With all the stress of leading our battalion, both of us having extremely demanding civilian jobs, as well as trying to be the best husbands and fathers we could be to our families, there was never a harsh word spoken between us. Quite the opposite – we had so much fun leading and mentoring these fine troops from the 17th Special Troops Battalion. It is my deep regret that the Soldiers of the 757th Transportation Battalion, whom he had been selected to lead, never enjoyed that opportunity due to Bobby’s Huntington’s diagnosis. He loved his family with everything he had, and he fought hard for them until the very end. After I saw Bobby in early January, I knew it probably wouldn’t be too much longer before he passed on. I sent him a text message one morning that said God only gives the most severe tests to the “strongest among us.” I firmly believe that. Bobby responded, in all caps, “HIS WILL BE DONE.” I will never forget my friend and warrior brother. Rest easy, Bobby. You have left us all a legacy of courage.


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