Paul Cocking

R. Paul Cocking, Colfax, passed away June 5, 2019, at the Courtyard in Colfax. Paul, the youngest of five children, was born in Glenwood at the family home on July 17, 1923 to John Edward and Maude VanAiken Cocking. He attended Martha Washington grade school and later Colfax High School, graduating in 1941, lettering in baseball and football. He was the 1941 Whitman County Ping Pong Champion and later in life defeated the West German Olympic Champion at a church event. He attended WSU and was in the ROTC program. In 1943, ROTC gave him the option of becoming an officer in the Army or go home to grow wheat to support the war effort. He chose wheat farming.

In 1946, he bought his first farm in the Parvin area. In 1947, he married Dorothy June Heilsberg. Together they accumulated land and multiplied their original amount by ten. They raised wheat, barley, peas, and lentils. They also had cattle and sheep. He and June had three children: Penni, David, and Peggy. June passed away in 1974.

In 1975, Paul married Mildred Krueger Stansbury. They attended Cougar Football games, and wintered in Arizona for over 30 years. In Arizona, square dancing and spring baseball were enjoyed.

Paul's interests included following his children's endeavors, bowling, water skiing, farming, and collecting cars. He started farming at age 14 with a D4 pulling a Harris combine and continued the progression of farming until the age of 88, then harvesting with a John Deere 7722. He was a North & South Grange member and devoted member and trustee of the First Baptist Church in Colfax for many years, overseeing the maintenance of the church.

Paul is survived by his children, Penni Cocking, Seattle; David (Marcia) Cocking, Colfax; Peggy (Dan) Nafziger, Troutdale, Ore .; two step children, Joan (Kurt)Ownes, Shingle Springs, Calif .; Edward (Genie) Stansbury, Olympia; five granddaughters, Amber (Don) Williams, Seattle; Shawnda (Darrell) Booth, Colfax; Nicole Nafziger, Troutdale, Ore .; Davelle "Beezer" Cocking, Portland, Ore .; Natalie (JJ) Parsons, Sandy, Ore .; one grandson, Travis (Jill) Cocking, Colfax; two step grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and six step great grandchildren.

Paul was precededin death by two wives, June Cocking and Mildred Cocking; three brothers, Ralph, Lyle, and Leroy; one sister, Alice Roberts, and his parents.

Graveside service will be Friday, June 14th, at 11:00 a.m. at Colfax Cemetery followed by a luncheon at Colfax United Methodist Church. Viewing will be Wednesday, from 1 to 5 pm, and Thursday, 9 am to 5 pm, at Bruning Funeral Home. On-line guest book is at http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com

Memorials may be given to Kinderd Hospice or Colfax First Baptist Church.