Olen graduated from Drew Central High School in 1942 and attended Arkansas A &M. He was a World War II Navy veteran, serving stateside in clothing and small stores, which led to his lifelong passion, retail business. He was known to say he loved everyday he went to work; also, he didn't want to retire because he remembered the Great Depression.
Survivors are his wife of 61 years, Sue Riley Cockrell, a Hamburg, AR native, and their three daughters and families, namely; Suzanne and David Hamblen of Russellville, AR, and their two sons, Nathan of Bella Vista, AR and Joshua, wife Jessica, son David and daughter Lilly, Chattanooga, TN; Jane Jo and Wayne Summerford of Ray, ND and her children, Casey Bone, of Little Rock and Lauren and Daniel Stutts, Gracen and Madden of Spokane, WA; and Sarah and John Martin and twins Tyler and Lana, all of Monticello; one brother, Bob and wife Pauline of Monticello and a sister Mildred King of North Little Rock.
Preceding Olen in death were three brothers, Delbert who died in childhood, Elmon and James and a sister, Jessie Johnson.
Olen was a Deacon in Pauline Missionary Baptist Church for more than 30 years and served in other capacities through the years, including janitor. He was a lifetime member of Eureka Lodge No. 40, F.&A.M. He formerly served on the Monticello School Board, City Council, and was a charter member of Kiwanis Club, serving as its president, as well as other offices. Olen was on the board of Drew County Developmental Disabilities Council and served as its Treasurer many years. He received the Hanna Hyatt Award, "for service to the children of Arkansas Baptist Home for Children," and in 2004 was named "Monticello's Man of the Year" by the Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Commission.
Olen began employment in a shoe store in 1948 and continued in the same business 40 years, working his way to full ownership. Its name became Cockrell's Shoes and Accessories in 1970. He will be remembered for his kind nature, and love of people.
Condolences(68)
larry lawson
corrigan, TX Saturday, October 27, 2018 So sorry for the loss of a good man.John Hunter Jr.
Granville, OH Wednesday, December 5, 2012 Olen was a very good and kind person.I enjoyed his encouragement while I was living in Monticello.
God Bless Olen.
Michael High
Little Rock, AR Friday, April 13, 2012 I remember so many times going to Mr. Cockrell's store. He was always such a kind man, always with a smile or a laugh. He will be missed.Dianne Gladden Fort
Jonesboro, AR Tuesday, April 10, 2012 This is one of God's servants who was told.Go in My Good & Faithful Servant.I remember Olan & Sue back to the day that they came to church with their daughter. She had something on her feel but can't remember if it was shoes. All three would take their shoes off when they got inside. What difference did it make that Mom & Dad had a shoe store. It's a shame there aren't a lot of Christian Dad's like Olan Cockrel.
Dr. Steven and Maria Hand
Hermitage, PA Saturday, April 7, 2012 My wife and I send our deepest sympathies and prayers for Mrs Sue and family. I have known Mr. Olen since I was able to stand. He probably measured me for my very first pair of shoes. He is one of the finest men I have ever had the pleasure to know. I know I will never met a man of Mr. Olen caliber. Maria and I will keep your family in our prayers. God Bless.Steven and Maria Hand
Katherine King & Family
Asheville, NC Thursday, April 5, 2012 Our hearts go out to you in this time of sorrow. May the comfort of God give you peace.Janis Smith
Malvern, AR Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Mr. Cockrell is one of the finest people I have ever met. He always had a smile and a good word. He will surely be missed.Dewayne &Connie Rash
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Jane Jo and Fmly,We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Becky Young
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Jane Jo and Family,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My God bless you, guide you, and give you comfort during this trying time. My prayers are with you all.
Becky Young
Bill & Marilyn Gober
El Dorado, AR Monday, April 2, 2012 What a good friend.Bill & Marilyn Gober
Andy Briant
Monticello, AR Monday, April 2, 2012 Mrs. Sue, Sara, Jane Jo and family: Sorry to hear of Mr Cockrell's passing. May God bless and comfort you all at this sad and difficult time.Pam Blann
Crossett, AR Sunday, April 1, 2012 Jane Jo,I am so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. We have been out of town and just found out about it. I wore lots of Cockrell's shoes during my life. Thinking obout you and the family.
Pam
Hershel Gober
Palm Coast, FL Sunday, April 1, 2012 Olen was one of the "good guys". He always had a smile on his face and was respectful to everyone. I bought many pairs of shoes from him the most noteable was a pair that I still have, which I needed for my confirmation hearing before the U.S. Senate in early 1993. He will be missed by all who knew him, but we are better for having known him.Joane&Terry Moore
Brandon, MS Sunday, April 1, 2012 Uncle Olen was a kind and gentle man.I have such fond memories of summer in Monticello with Suzanne,Jane Jo and Sarah.My heartfelt sympathies go to Aunt Sue and the girls in this difficult time ,.but I know he is rejoycing in heaven with my Mother,and all the ones that have gone before him.Love to you all.Joanne& TerryLaNell McKiever
Monticello, AR Sunday, April 1, 2012 For the family of Olen Cockrell, a very favorite saying of mine."JUST THINK OF STEPPING ON SHORE AND FINDING IT
HEAVEN.
OF TOUCHING A HAND AND FINDING IT GOD'S
OF BREATHING NEW AIR AND FINDING IT CELESTIAL.
AND WAKING UP IN GLORY AND FINDING IT HOME. "
Angela Purifoy
Monticello, AR Saturday, March 31, 2012 To the Family,I was saddened to hear of the loss of Mr. Cockrell. We are praying for your entire family. Mr. Cockrell was a wonderful person, I remember my dad taking me to get shoes at Cockrells when I was a child... We are so sorry for your loss, May God bless all of you.
Terry & Carol Jordan
Jonesboro, AR Saturday, March 31, 2012 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.Mildred Chastain
Monticello, AR Saturday, March 31, 2012 So sorry for your loss...Ken Robinson
, AR Saturday, March 31, 2012 Very sorry to hear the news of Bro. Olen's passing. I will always recall how he was always so friendly and kind toward us, and the trips with Mom to the store for new shoes (only after all hand-me-downs were completely worn out). He was a very special man. Karen and I want to express our heartfelt sympathies.Jacqueline Jones
Monticello, AR Saturday, March 31, 2012 I was saddened to hear about Mr. Cockrell's passing.He and his family were dear friends to my mother Verda Daniels, and our family. May God comfort you through this difficult time.
Margaret Waldrup
Hamburg, AR Saturday, March 31, 2012 My thoughts and prayers will be with all of you through this very sad time. I have many memories of Olen and Allen talking, laughing, telling funny stories, and of course talking about shoes.Donald Flentroy
Crossett, AR Saturday, March 31, 2012 Mrs. Cockrell and Family:I was saddened to read of Mr. Cockrell's passing in the Democrat/Gazette. May God continue to richly bless your family.
Mr. Cockrell was very influential in my life. He showed tremendous compassion, concern, love and consideration by hiring me to work in your shoe store when Alberta and I married (1973). He was a trail blazer and a man of great integrity.
I shall always cherish his memory and remember his kindness to me.
Donald H. Flentroy
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Titusville, FL Saturday, March 31, 2012 Dear Ms. Sue, Suzanne, Jane Jo, Sarah and Families,I was so sad to hear from Jane Jo of Mr. Olen's passing. He was such a kind person and always went out of his way to help people. Heaven has received a true Christian. Growing up in Monticello, going to W.C. Whaley, MHS Jr. High, & MHS was just a part of life as was going with Bo and Auline to Cockrell's Shoes before school started. I can remember Mr. Olen putting the first pair of saddle oxfords on my feet. I always looked forward to getting PF Flyers for the summer, after all they did make me run faster. My memories of him are far too many to put in writing. I remember him as a deacon in Pauline Church, Suzanne and I were sitting in the choir watching. I know that you all will miss him, but, time will help with your sorrow and the Lord is so happy to have him. I will continue to pray for all of you. Ms. Sue, you are a very special person to me and I love you dearly.
In Christian Love,
Sharon Shook McIntyre
Donna Bradley
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 To Mr. Olen's Family,I am so sorry for your loss but not sorry for Heaven's gain. Mr. Olen was a wonderful person and so loving and kind to everyone. He was a gentlemen at all times. He was one of the great leaders of Monticello.
May God Bless and Comfort you in the days ahead.
Sincerely ,
Donna Bradley
Cary & Debra Marshall
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 Such a sweet man. Praying for your family in the days ahead.Tiffany Gathen
Pine Bluff, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 My prayers are with the family. Mr. Cockrell gave me my first job in 1993. He was so pleasant to work for. He will be greatly missed.Bishop Sam Wherry
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 I donot have adequate words of having the privilage as well the honor along with Two Generations of Monticello, Arkansas and it's Service Region of witness and be inspired by this Giant of a Christian Gentlemen. He did his job and his service to the community which loved and cherish so well the living, dead or unborn could not do it any better, For Olen Cockrell, Death is not a Blind Alley that leads him into a state of nothingness, but an open door that leads him to eternal life, for He Loved God and the Missionary zeal for God's People all in the name of Jesus Christ.PAM ALLEN
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 Mr. Olen has been friends with my family since before I was born. Growing up in the feed store gave me ample opportunity to spend a lot of time in many of the stores around the square, and the shoe store was one of my favorite places to go. As soon as I turned 16, Mr. Olen offered me my first job. I learned so much and have always been so thankful to have worked for such a good man. I am praying for God's comfort and peace for all of you during this time.Barbara Benton
Warren, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 I was very sorry to here about the death of Mr. Olen. My mom, Mildred Vincent, worked for him for many years and thought a lot of him and his family. It is my hope and prayer that God gives your family the strength to make it through this difficult time. My family and I are thinking about you.Alvin & Irma James
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 To the family of Mr. Olen: So sorry to hear of his passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him. He was a great guy. We are out of town, but know our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.Patty and Webb Johnson
Memphis, TN Friday, March 30, 2012 Uncle Olen you will be sorely missed.I can close my eyes and still smell the shoe store from my childhood.God Bless you and my deepest sympathies to Aunt Sueand my three cousins.
Ben Leonard
Cabot, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 Sue: My prayers are with you and your family. I have percious memories of you and Olen back when we went to church together. Thank God for the hope that we have in Jesus. We will meet againJosh & Angie Frost
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 Mrs. Sue and Family: Our hearts are saddened by the news of Mr. Olen's passing. What a great man he was, and a true example of a fine Christian. I have many memories of visiting with him in his store, during my childhood. He will be missed, and remembered fondly by many. Please know that your family will be in our thoughts and prayers in the coming days, and weeks ahead. May God bless you all.Gary McCullars
Natchez, MS, MS Friday, March 30, 2012 Condolences from the Warren F McCullars' family. Edna, Gary, Frank and LizKim and David Hoffman
Conway, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 To the Cockrell Family,We are so very sorry for your loss. Mr. Olen always had a smile on his face and a kind word for everyone he met and was loved by everybody that knew him. May God comfort you all during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere sympathy. Kim and David
linda rowe funderburg
monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 prayers for the familyHenrietta Flowers
, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 My prayers to the family. I worked during school at the shoe store and him teaching me how to size and help the customers has stayed with me through the years as I have gone through my career. Rest in Peace.Glen & Syble Jackson
Sherwood, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 We all will miss our Uncle Olen, he was a true blessing to our family. Sending our love and prayers to Aunt Sue, Suzanne, JaneJo, and Sarah.Tina Ferguson
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 Mrs. Sue & Family;Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this difficult time in your lives.
Mr. Olen was a strong man in faith and would want each of you to hold on to the momories but most of all be strong in your faith that he tried so hard to live by.
Mr. Olen was a kind soul and it didn't matter where I saw him
he always spoke. He help guide many people without knowing it.
I feel blessed to have known Mr. Olen and will cherish my memories of him at Pauline. GOD Bless you!
Kay & Gary Crook
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 May God bless and comfort you all during this time. Mr. Cockrell was such a wonderful person and always wearing a smile.Barbara Maxwell
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 Sara & Mrs. Cockrell, I'm so sorry for your loss.Jeri Hobbs
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 To Mrs. Cockrell, Sarah & Jane Jo; I am so so sorry. I remember the good ole' days when I would walk to the shoe store to visit my mother. :) He was a good person. I will be praying for all of you. Let me know if I can do anything.Sincerely,
Jeri Taylor-Hobbs
Perry & Melanie Rawls
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 We are so Sorry for your Loss. We will continue to keep the family in our prayers.Shane Williams
Wilmar, AR Friday, March 30, 2012 My deepest sympathy goes out to the family. I have been a friend of Mr. Olen's since I was a little 'whippersnapper'. I know that they are a family that is very well thought of as well as deeply loved, by many. :)Walter & Norma Chapman
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 So sorry to hear of Mr. Olen's passing. He was a wonderful Christian man loved by all and set a good example for others. May the God of love bear you up on wings of love dear family is our prayer.Tommie & George Moyers
Crossett, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Dear Ms Sue, Suzanne, Jane Jo, Sara and Family,Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. So many fond memories come to mind as I think back. I don't remember not knowing Mr. Olen and Ms.Sue. They both were always at church for as long as their health would allow and as a kid, I loved going for new shoes at Mr. Olen's and taking our boys there as well.
The traditional trips, to see Mr. Olen for shoes, are great memories but, what stands out the most is what a Godly man he was. He had such a sweet, loving
spirit. I still see the picture of him, my Papa Miller and my Dad as they each dug the first shovels of dirt at the ground-breaking service for Pauline where she stands today. He was a great leader, Deacon and dear friend.
Family, I know you will miss him terribly but, we thank you for sharing him with all of us and may you gain strength knowing he no longer suffering and we will see him again. We each are better for having Mr. Olen in our lives and he will be missed by many. Please give our love to Ms. Sue.
With love and respect forever and always,
Tommie
Susie Duke Harrison
LakeVillage, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 He taught me a tremendous amount lof life skills and how to deal with people and business. Uncle Olen was fun to be around. I worked for him at his shoe store in Hamburg when I was a teenager and at Cockrells when iI was in college. His humor was infectious and I loved being around him! He and my "name sake" Aunt Sue complimented each other enjoying each others company for menu years.Sandra Wright
Rison, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Praying for your family in your time of loss!Carole Doss Rushing
Woodlawn, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Having been born and reared in Green Hill, the Cockrell and Doss families have been entertwined all of our lives. Olen was like family to all of us. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. May God grant you the peace and comfort that only He can.Shannon Doss
Billy Doss
Mary Doss Lasiter
Carole Doss Rushing
Sheila Gardner
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Jane Jo,I am so sorry to hear about your dad. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Gay Jackson
jonesboro, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 We love you all and we will be down for the funeral.Susan McClain Musick
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 So sorry to hear of Mr. Cockrell's passing. He was such a kind person and always seemed to be in a good mood. My condolences to Sue, Suzanne, Jane Jo, and Sarah.linda rowe funderburg
monrticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 prayers for the cockrell familyDoris & Steve Davis
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Dear family, please know that you are in our hearts with much love and prayers coming your way. We love youBOBBY PRITCHARD FAMILY
, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 OUR PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN YOUR TIME OF LOSS,MAY GODS GRACE BE WITH YOU.
LTC Cynthia Bashaw
, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Sorry for the family's loss. Mr. Cockrell was always such a pleasant gentleman. Will remember his love ones in prayer.Gary & Brenda Newton
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Our thoughts and prayers are with you during your loss. Mr. Olen was a great man. I enjoyed being in Kiwanis club with him for many years. To Sara and John....we're just next door if you need anything at all.Phyllis & Jimmy Bone
, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 If you grew up in Monticello, you bought your shoes from the nicest, most gentle and caring man around! I loved Mr. Olen dearly! Sincerest sympathy, love and prayers to Mrs. Sue, Jane Jo, Sara and my sweet friend, Suzanne.Allen Jeter
Crossett, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 My deepest sympathy goes out to the entire Cockrell family. Mr. Olen was such a nice and caring person. Growing up in Monticello he kept me in shoes and it was the only place I ever wanted to go to even look for shoes. It was because how personable and friendly he always was when he would greet people. I know it is a difficult time but know you are in the thoughts and prayers of a lot of people. May God look over you and comfort all of you during this difficult time.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 sorry to hear about olen he will be missed in monticelloEleanor Harris Gibbons
Little Rock, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Sue & girls,So sorry about Mr. Olen. You were all such a good Christian family. I can remember the parties at your house on Main Street. I can remember being so envious of the girls because they had "little" high heels that we were able to wear. Just be assured that he is in a better place with no more aches and pains; we will be so lucky when we go to meet him with our Lord.
Soon & Very Soon
Dennis Wells
Springdale, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Cockrell Family,My prayers are with you in this time of loss. I enjoyed going to Cockrell's to get new shoes. Mr. Olen was a very good man and he will be missed.
Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 My prayers and sympathy go to Mr. Olen's family. I have known him all my life. In my teen years, our families were neighbors.Newer residents of Monticello might not know he was very active in the civic functions of Monticello during his working days. He was a familiar figure on the Monticello Square at his shoe store. I pray that his family will find consolation in knowing he is at peace now. Love, Kay
Tina Ferguson
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 Dear Mrs. Sue & Family,I'm so sorry to hear about Mr. Olen. My prayers and thoughts are with all of you.
Jan Hampton
Madison, MS Thursday, March 29, 2012 I am so sorry to hear this. Uncle Olen was such a dear sweet man. My prayers are with Aunt Sue, Suzanne, Jane Jo and Sarah.Janice McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 What a kind and gentle man Olen Cockrell! He was such an inspiration to all and I cherish fond memories of knowing him and his entire family. May God surround you with his loving arms and give you peace and comfort in your sad time of loss. With love and sympathy, Janice Gladden McAllisterReba Mitchell
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 So sorry for the loss of Mr. Olen, such a great man, he will be missed by many! The family are in my thoughts and Prayers! Heaven has recieved another wonderful Angel! Prayers and Love to the family!Pat Savage
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2012 So sorry to hear about Mr. Olen. I always enjoyed going in his shoe store. Dad waited until we came to Monticello to buy our shoes. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.