Conor James Cocking, age 32, of Williamsburg, Michigan, passed away at Munson Medical Center on August 18th, 2026 from injuries sustained in a side-by-side accident.

Conor was born August 24, 1993, in Flint, Michigan, to Andy and GiGi (Cox) Cocking. A 2011 graduate of Elk Rapids High School, Conor excelled in both academics and athletics. He was a dedicated three-sport athlete, competing in football, hockey, and baseball. Conor earned a football scholarship to Michigan Technological University, where he played defensive tackle and earned his degree in Materials Science and Engineering in 2016. Conor was widely admired by his family, many friends, teammates, and coaches.

Conor began dating Lexi (Small) Cocking in 2009, and the high school sweethearts married in 2018. They traveled many miles over countless weekends to see each other during their college years, continuing to do so when Conor began his traveling career. Their 17-year bond and love remained strong through the many individual endeavors and seasons of life.

After graduating college, Conor worked in non-destructive pipeline integrity testing, traveling to multiple “dig sites” across the country while based in Minnesota with Lexi. Eager to settle down and get off the road, Conor and Lexi moved to southern Michigan, where he worked as a materials engineer for Michigan Automotive Compressor, Inc. A year later, in 2019, Conor and Lexi made the decision to move back home to Williamsburg and learn more about his parents’ HVAC business, Comfort Heating, Inc. At the start of 2026, they purchased the company together with big aspirations of prosperity and growth.

Conor’s proudest role in life was being a dad to his beautiful children, Theo, age 3, and Charlie, 11 weeks. He embraced his role as a father and looked forward to sharing his many hobbies with his kids. Conor enjoyed the outdoors and grew a love for hunting and fishing. He took a special interest in woodworking, and his memory lives on through special custom furniture throughout his own and others’ homes. Conor worked hard with his hands and his tools. He could build and fix anything. He was passionate about strong workmanship and learning how to build or design anything he hadn’t yet done - likely a skill he acquired through the immense discipline he developed in sports.

Conor became passionate about his work in HVAC. He cared deeply about selling the best products to his customers, providing the best work environment for his employees, and tin-knocking the most immaculate creations at the metal bench. Conor didn’t go a week without trying to reinvent the wheel - he likely could have if he just had a little bit more time.

Conor had a strong moral compass. He believed in doing things the right way and had already begun instilling these principles in his son, Theo, just as his parents had instilled them in him. He carried passion into everything he did. He was funny, sarcastic, and so very kind. He was a mountain of a man - with an even bigger heart.

Conor will be dearly missed by his loving wife, Lexi; his two young children, Theo and Charlie; his dog, Axel; and his cat, Rocky. He is also survived by his parents, Andy and GiGi Cocking; his sister, Hailey (Terry) Anderson; his nephew, Luccas, and niece, Hallie; his grandmother, Gloria Cox; his father- and mother-in-law, Danny and Robin Small; his brothers-in-law, Darrin (Rie) Small and Dane (Ashley) Small; his uncle and aunt, Randy (Mary) Cox; his uncle T.W. Cox; and his aunt and uncle, Joellen (Chris) Collazo. He will also be greatly missed by many cousins, great-aunts and great-uncles, and countless friends.

Conor was preceded in death by his grandparents, Jim and Jean Cocking; his grandfather, Ron Cox; his grandparents-in-law, Jim and Jeanette Johnson and Don and Vada Small; and loving great-aunts and great-uncles.

Conor was unfortunately not a candidate for organ donation. We know how much it would have meant to him to give the gift of life to someone else. Conor was, however, a universal blood donor and often donated through Versiti Blood Center whenever he could. His generosity in life was one more reflection of the kind of person he was.

The family would like to express its deepest gratitude for the tremendous efforts of the first responders and the dedicated staff at Munson Medical Center who cared for Conor.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on Friday, August 28, 2026 at New Hope Community Church, 5100 Bethesda Ct, Williamsburg, MI 49690. A Memorial Service will follow at 12:00 pm, also at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Conor’s memory to support his children, Theo and Charlie, may be made here: GoFundMe.com/f/honoring-conor-by-supporting-his-childrens-future

And if you are wondering how you can support the family, please consider supporting Comfort Heating, Inc. of Traverse City for any heating or cooling needs that arise in your home. Supporting the business that Conor loved and worked so hard for is one of the most meaningful ways you can honor his memory.