Ben Roland Cockrell

Ben Roland Cockrell, age 85, passed away on February 7, 2026 in Woodville, Texas.

Ben was born on February 14, 1940, in Camden, Texas, at the old Camden Hospital, to Luther and Fannie Cockrell. He attended Pasadena High School, where he was elected State of Texas Vice President of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) for the 1958–1959 term. After high school, he proudly served in the Army Reserve before continuing his education. He later graduated from the University of Houston with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Ben went on to become the first Director with the Harris County Department of Education, where he founded the Special Education Department and provided counseling services to school districts throughout the county. After leaving Harris County, he returned to his Polk County roots and became a successful entrepreneur. He established Livingston’s first fence company, Livingston Aluminum and Fence, and later founded Cockrell Fence Company.

A longtime resident of Polk County, Ben was known as a steady, dependable presence in his community. His life was shaped by hard work, dedication, and the values he carried with him throughout the years.

Ben will be remembered for his quiet strength, his loyalty to those he loved, and the lasting mark he left on his family and community. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing poker with friends, and spending time with his beloved dogs, Lil Bit and Possum.

He was preceded in death by his father, Luther Cockrell; his parents, Harold and Fannie Woodard; his brother, Buzz Cockrell; and his wife, Mary.

Ben is survived by his brother, Harold Woodard, Jr. (Chess) and wife Margie; his longtime companion, Evelyn Coward; his children, Jeanne Livingston (Michael), Jo Cockrell, Julie Stokes (Robert), Travis Cockrell, Amanda Beasley (Layne), and Joshua Coward (Jodie). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Brian Carrico (Cody), Allyson Saenz (Joshua), Kyle Livingston, Ashley Stokes, Nicholas Stokes, Tyler Cockrell, Ethan Cockrell, Ryan Cockrell, and Jacob Cockrell, along with numerous nephews, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.