Goodbye To a Mentor.

Hey folks, Chris French here from Modern Midwest Entertainment.  I took today off sick from my day job at a mental health agency, because I wasn't feeling the greatest. I decided to get on Yahoo and check out some things, and I noticed one of my broadcasting instructors, Ron Smith, from my days learning the trade at American Broadcasting School. I talked with Ron for a brief time, and shared what I've been up to with him. As we ended our conversation, I asked Ron to say hello to Del Cockrell, ABS's founder and one of my mentors in the world of broadcasting. Ron informed me that Del is gone. He passed away on July 9th from a massive stroke. I'm at a loss for words. Del and all the folks at ABS had a profound influence on me, but Del was always the one that would call me up and say, "Chris, you're gonna go somewhere in this business, I know it". I'm going to post Del's obituary below, and a personal message to Del. . .Del, you were an inspiration to me, and to everyone who ever met him. You will be sorely missed.

Delton Cockrell
September 11, 1943 - July 9, 2011 OKLAHOMA CITY Del Cockrell passed away July 9, 2011. He was born on September 11, 1943 in Shawnee, OK. Del graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1961 and from the University of Oklahoma in 1965. Del was the owner and founder of American Broadcasting School. He opened ABS in March of 1970 and dedicated his professional life to training thousands of radio broadcasters over the past 41 years. Del was not only a highly successful businessman who was admired and respected by many but was also a loving and devoted family man. His family meant the world to him. Del enjoyed fishing, sports, and spending time playing with his grandkids. Del was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Lorene Cockrell; and his older brother, Gary Cockrell. Del is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Janice; his son, Shawn Cockrell; his daughter, Staci Cockrell; grandsons, Shea, Brendan, Carson, Chase; his twin brother, Mel Cockrell and wife Pat; his brother, Jerry Cockrell and wife Susan; sister-in-law, Pat Cockrell; and numerous nieces, nephews, great- nieces and nephews, cousins, and many friends and colleagues all of whom he loved dearly.

We will always carry you in our hearts Del.