Donald Edwin Cochran

Donald Edwin Cochran, age 85, passed away at his home in Independence, MO, on Monday, December 30, 2019, with his beloved wife by his side.  He was born on June 2, 1934, in Bennington, KS to George Cochran and Nancy (McDannald) Cochran. He was married to Nancy (Watson) Cochran on September 6, 1987, and they shared 32 wonderful years together.

Don served active duty in the United States Army from 1957 to 1959 and continued in the United States Army Reserve until 1963.  He began a 32-year career with Ford Motor Company in 1960 until his retirement in 1992. He then worked with his brother-in-law in the concrete business until 1995.

Even though Don and Nancy fulfilled their traveling dreams by land, air and sea during retirement, their most frequent destination was Truman Lake.  Don was an avid fisherman and boat captain who loved reading westerns and history books. Some of his favorite pastimes at the lake included cruising on the pontoon, fishing with the family and tubing with the grandkids (Lindsey, James, Mason and Brandon).  And when he couldn’t be at the lake, he was ever ready to try his luck at the nearest casino.

Don was a loving husband, father, stepfather, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend who will be remembered for his patience, generosity, kindness and sharp wit.  He is survived by his wife, Nancy, and their 2 fur babies; daughters Nancy Mainard (Dan), born to Barbara (Johnson) Carlyle, Pamela Cochran-Stevens (John) and Julie Evans (Doug), both born to Judith (Ralston) Lero; and stepchildren Kimberly Adams, Robin Yates (Robert) and Gregory Adams.  He is also survived by his sisters Mary Turner and Irene Cochran, 6 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Gene Cochran and George (Butch) Cochran Jr., and brother-in-law Bill Turner.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, at Heartland Chapel, 6113 Blue Ridge Blvd., Raytown, MO 64133, with visitation beginning at 2:00 PM and the service at 3:00 PM.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to KC Pet Project or Wayside Waifs.

Condolences

  1. Chris on January 4, 2020 at 5:21 pm

    Aunt Nancy I’m sorry to hear about uncle don. Whenever you guys got up north it was great seeing you guys. I can remember the last trip from all of you. I won’t be able to make the trip there. Cause we are short on work coverage. I will always remember uncle don and he will always be in my heart. I hope he says hi to my dad, uncle Ron, Jimmy, and aunt linda.
    Love chris



  2. Debbie on January 4, 2020 at 5:38 pm

    Aunt Nancy, I am so sorry to hear about Uncle Don. I will always remember our road trip to Las Vegas. It was an amazing trip. I can’t believe I actually got all of you to go horseback riding. Anyway, I feel blessed to have been able to take that trip and many others with him and you. I have soooo many fond memories of Uncle Don and he will be missed. I love you Aunt Nancy and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.



  3. Susan Stowers on January 4, 2020 at 11:48 pm

    So sorry to hear the loss of a family member. Don was full of life as I remember him. Smiles and laughter he was. Praying for you Nancy,Robin, Lindsey for the loss of a love one ?



  4. Brenda on January 5, 2020 at 1:38 am

    This breaks my heart to hear this news !!
    I will be praying for you !!
    I know he will always be beside you !
    I love you ??! I will be there in my heart and thoughts!
    Stay strong Aunt Nancy!!



  5. Brenda on January 5, 2020 at 1:38 am

    This breaks my heart to hear this news !!
    I will be praying for you !!
    I know he will always be beside you !
    I love you ??! I will be there in my heart and thoughts!
    Stay strong Aunt Nancy!!



  6. Daniel Mainard on January 5, 2020 at 4:18 am

    Don was the best father in law a man could ask for. He was respectful and respectable. A real joy to be around! I pray that God gives the family strength and peace!!!



  7. Carol Lewis on January 5, 2020 at 9:30 am

    Nancy I am so sorry for your loss. Don was always so good to me. Very kind and generous. I always had so much fun on our vacations. He will be missed. Carol



  8. Tim and Leny Bishop on January 7, 2020 at 7:02 pm

    Aunt Nancy myself and Leny hearts are sad to here of the loss of Uncle Don. Him and you both are in our prayers. I didn’t get alot of time to spend with him but we know one thing is true. He was the life partner of my moms sister and was quite noticeably made her very happy and secure. We feel your loss and thinking of you and the whole family. We wish we could be there. Our love to you Aunt Nancy.
    Tim and Leny Bishop



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