JN Cockburn

JN “Mutt” Cockburn, 94, passed away in Springtown on February 10, 2022. Funeral Service: 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 16, 2022 at White’s Chapel in Springtown. 401 N. Main St., Springtown TX 76082 Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at White’s Chapel in Springtown. Interment: Wednesday, February 16, 2022, in Springtown Cemetery, following the funeral service. Mutt was born on July 28, 1927 in Springtown to Jerry and Ola Mae Cockburn. He remained in this area throughout his life. He was a Christian raised in the Church of Christ. After graduating from Azle High School in 1946, he went to Weatherford College. While staying at home to help with the dairy, he had many experiences as Marshal in Springtown, some good and some scary. This may have been what made him such a great drivers' ed teacher. After graduating from what was then called North Texas State University, he started teaching and coaching in Springtown in 1958. While there, he met and married the love of his life, Mary, in the summer of 1961. They moved to Poolville where he taught and coached for many years. Both daughters were born during this time. He loved his girls and had many great adventures with them. Mutt was known for his Angus cows. He became a member of the Parker County Livestock Improvement Association and worked many hours helping with their annual Stock Show. Over the years, Mutt touched many lives, and he will be missed by all who knew him. He would tell the best stories from his years as a teacher, coach, principal, driver's ed teacher, and counselor. He received countless awards in his life but none of them meant as much as his students. He never met a kid he didn't like. If he knew you, he liked you and if you were one of his students or athletes, please know you were loved. He also loved two precious little girls who came along 29 and 22 years ago. His granddaughters, Jaye and Jill, showed him there was no end to the love one could feel for another. They adored him and were adored right back. They spent countless hours exploring and just having fun together. His death may have left a hole in their hearts, but all they have to do to fill it is to remember how much he cherished them. Mutt is preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Ola Mae Cockburn, brothers, Odus, Roger, Fyke, Ford, Charlie, and Snooks and sisters, Ala, Mary, Esmarie, and Billie. He also loved and was loved by numerous nieces and nephews. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Cockburn; daughters Lynda Leininger and husband Doug of Poolville, and Donna Rutherford and husband, Jerrell of Springtown; granddaughters Jaye Rutherford of Fort Worth, and Jill Rutherford of Springtown.