Elbert Leon "Buddy" Corcoran

Elbert Leon Corcoran "Buddy", age 84, born June 1, 1941, in Nineveh, Texas to the parents Elbert L. Corcoran and Ada Belle Hobson Corcoran. His passing was peaceful on January 25, 2025, in Huntsville, Texas. Buddy Corcoran graduated from Huntsville High School in 1959. In High School Buddy participated in FFA in 1956 & 1957, Sentinel in 1957, Boys Sports Club 1958 & 1959, a Hornet Hive Staff of 1958, and received a lettering in Football his senior year in 1959. Once graduating from Huntsville High School he began working for the Knox Furniture store in Crockett, Texas. Later he moved to Dallas, Texas to work for Shaw Equipment as a heavy equipment mechanic. Then returned to the Southeast Texas area he was a truck driver working as a truck driver for various companies including Louisiana Pacific. He ended his trucking career with Brad Smith Co. Buddy Corcoran enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 7th, 1966. After his completion in boot camp, he received training as a heavy equipment mechanic and sent to Vietnam. Joining the Naval support activity in Danang. While deployed Buddy earned our countries 4th highest award for valor in combat, the Bronze Star with V device as well as being awarded the National Defense service medal, the Vietnam service medal with 2 bronze stars signifying participation in 2 different campaigns while deployed and the Vietnam Campaign medal awarded by the country of South Vietnam. At the conclusion of his 11 months and 15 days long tour of duty in Vietnam he returned to Dallas Texas where he completed the rest of his enlistment ultimately earning the Non-Commission Officer rank of E-4 as a CMH3 and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Navy on December 7th, 1967, at Naval Air Station in Dallas, Texas. His hobbies included trot lining for catfish on the Trinity River, gardening and driving race cars at various dirt tracks. He enjoyed watching westerns, NASCAR races and reading Louis L’Amour. Buddy and Wanda Corcoran were happily married for 26 years. Survived by: Daughter: Michaela Ginsel (husband Ricky) of Huntsville. Sons: Michael Rinehart (wife Millyssa) of Crosby, Anthony Wars (wife Tammy) of Pennington, Shanon Wars of Laredo, Cory Wars of Corrigan. Sister: Elsie Davis (husband Dan) of Huntsville. Brothers: Elmer Corcoran (wife Joyce) of Huntsville, Wayne Corcoran (wife Patti) of Huntsville. Grandchildren: Travis Ginsel, Chelsea Gunderson (husband Chip), April Michaela and Aiden Rinehart. Great-Grandchildren: Mckenzye Gunderson, Dylan Gruber, and Cheston Gunderson. Preceded in death by: Elbert Corcoran (father), Ada Belle Hobson (mother) and Dan Davis (brother-in-law) and Wanda Corcoran (wife). Riverside Baptist Church will provide funeral services at 11:00 am on January 30, 2025, in Riverside, Texas. Pastor Jim Newton will be officiating services. There will be no visitation prior to the funeral. Luncheon provided by RBC after services, before burial. A Military Funeral Honors Ceremony will be at the burial site, at Rockland Cemetery in Lovelady, Texas. Sam Houston Funeral Home is overseeing the funeral arrangements. Memorial condolences may be made to the family at www.shmfh.com. Elbert Corcoran's family would like to acknowledge and thank Bonita Conarroe Carpenter “Sis” for her medical knowledge. And especially her loving kindness during these challenging times. Her compassionate nature and sweet treats were a true blessing in Buddy’s eyes. “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. “My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me, so that you may be where I am. John 14:1-3

Elbert Leon "Buddy" Corcoran

June 1, 1941 - January 25, 2025