Brent was the oldest of three children born to Cheryl and Paul Cockerham. He spent most of his childhood in San Antonio and nearby Boerne. He eventually made his home near Canyon Lake, where he loved to sit on his porch and watch the beautiful view.

Brent adored reading. He had shelves upon shelves of books about all sorts of things (with history being the main thread, of course). He was an intellectual, in all ways. He loved to get into deep conversations about all sorts of topics. But the story of his many loves would not be complete without mentioning his love of sports cars—of which his greatest love was a '78 Firebird.

In 1988, He joined the U.S. Navy and served on the U.S.S. Wasp LHD until 1992. If you were to ask him for a list of what he was most proud of, at the top would be serving our country.

Brent graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in history, his lifelong passion. Soon after, he discovered something he loved even more—teaching. He taught World and U.S. History at James Madison High School in San Antonio for 12 years. He went on to teach at San Antonio Preparatory School and then KAPS.

In 2012, he suffered a stroke. He had to use all his grit and determination to recover. After making a full recovery, he was able to go on and teach all the way until the end. In fact, he was on his way to his school (KAPS), with a bag full of lesson plans and ideas for the new school year, when he was in the tragic car accident.

He was deeply loved by his family, his friends, his colleagues, and by the many students he taught over the years. After his accident, the students at his school (including many who had already graduated) came together to share stories about him and talk about how he had helped them be better than they had ever thought possible. One thing said over and over was that he never gave up on a student.
Brent cherished his family. He was always there—for every birthday, every Christmas, and all the moments in between, both big and small. He will be deeply missed by all who loved him, family and friends alike.

You will always be in our hearts, son, brother, uncle, teacher, friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM in the Cantina at River City Community Church, 16765 Lookout Rd. Selma, Tx.

A Memorial Graveside Service with military honors will be held at 2:45 PM on Friday, August 30, 2024, at shelter 5 at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.