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Steven Cochran Obituary

Cochran, Steven Knight Steven Knight Cochran, 77, died on May 27th due to complications from a fall he took while snow skiing in March in Durango CO. Steve was born March 28th, 1934 in Wichita, Kansas to Esther Pagan and Phil Knight Cochran. In 1940 Steve's family moved to Shreveport, LA, the place he considered home. He attended South Highlands Elementary School and Byrd High School. He loved Shreveport and the South and proudly considered himself a Southerner. In 1952, he was graduated from Sewanee Military Academy in Sewanee, Tennessee where he was co-captain of the basketball team and was voted "wittiest" and "most handsome". Steve attended Oklahoma University on a full NROTC scholarship. He was a member of the Phi Gamma Delta Fraternity. He was graduated from O.U. in 1956. Steve struggled with academics and deportment throughout college. He said, with his usual wit, "I knew my parents were proud of me as their expectations were rightly so low". Upon graduation, Steve entered Naval Aviation Flight Training at Pensacola, FLA. He received his Naval Aviator Wings at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas in December, 1957. Steve flew fighter jets, ultimately the F2H Banshee with All Weather Fighter Squadron Four (VFAW-4) out of Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, R.I. This was the most rewarding undertaking of his life. He lamented the fact that he did not see combat as many of his colleagues did in Vietnam. Upon discharge from the Navy, he entered Southern Methodist University Law School on scholarship. He graduated with an LLB in 1962 in the top part of his class. He was an editor on The Law Review and also served as Student Attorney General for the University. He then entered Harvard Law School on a Fellowship, graduating with an LLM in 1963. He served in the United States Department of Justice as a trial lawyer with the Tax Division under the Attorney General's Honor Program. Steve won all but one of his trials to the court and all that were tried to a jury. In 1966 he joined Rain, Harrell and Emery in Dallas and began an extensive law practice in securities law, handling many public offerings, mergers and acquisitions. Steve was named to "The Best Lawyers in America" and was included in that august group each year for 25 years. In 1981 Steve became a partner in Thompson & Knight, one of the oldest and finest law firms in the state of Texas. He handled many public financings, mergers and other complex corporate transactions. He believed that no one could out work or out think him. Steve was known for a keen sense of humor, and being comfortable with self-deprecation. He was also very funny. He was very patriotic and often told of the thrill in hearing the tower call his aircraft "Navy Jet" when clearing him to land, and in being able to state to the court at the beginning of trial that "The United States is ready". Steve loved to ski and play tennis. He was conservative in his politics but refused to let politics interfere with a friendship, considering many liberals to be good friends. He had two adored daughters by a first marriage. His second marriage to his beloved Julie, he said, was more than he could have asked for. Steve is survived by his wife Julie Lawrence Cochran; 2 daughters, Susan Cochran Jacques and husband Patrick, and Sarah Cochran Jewett and husband Bruce; one brother, David J. Cochran and wife Cindy; three grandchildren Rene Cochran Jacques, Mollie Grace Jewett and Elizabeth Cochran Jewett; brothers- in-law Jody Lawrence and wife Diane, and David Lawrence. Steve is also survived by many wonderful friends. Honorary pall bearers include: Scotty Douglas, Stewart Meyers, Andy Shoup, Curtis Mewbourne, Brooks Reed, Sam Burford, Ben West, Jack Morrow, Jimmy Nowery, Bill Easley, and Pat Jenevein. One of the statements above about his high school awards is not true: Steve wants the reader to figure out which. A memorial service will be held at Saint Michael and All Angels Chapel at 8011 Douglas in Dallas, Texas, 75225, on June 9th at 4:00. A reception at the church will follow. Memorials may be made to The National Naval Aviation Museum Foundation at 1750 Radford Blvd. Suite B Pensacola, FL 32508, or a charity of the donor's choice.

Published by Dallas Morning News on Jun. 8, 2011.
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October 27, 2013

Cathleen & I came to the memorial service and found it very dignified & meaningful.

David Stevenson

July 6, 2011

Steve was a good friend in the Navy....and beyond. His sense of humor was surpassed by none. The memorial service was a beautiful tribute to him. Sorry we didn't get to stay for a visit afterward.

Robert Powell

June 30, 2011

Dear Susan and Sarah: What a beautiful and loving tribute to your dad. I'm sorry that I had such brief contact with him. Love you both!

Dottie Dwight

June 22, 2011

A great attorney and a wonderful friend!

Ben Hinterlong

June 18, 2011

Susan and Sarah, I've never seen such devoted girls as you have been to your Dad and Julie. You've set a beautiful example for many of us and certainly your own children. We already miss Julie and now we are bereft of a very special man and friend.
Jane Jenevein

Jane Jenevein

June 17, 2011

He could laugh hard enough long enough to cry and cause others to do the same. I'll miss those times.

Pat Jenevein

June 17, 2011

Susan & Sarah: What a remarkable man. I never realized his many accomplishments. I only met him several times, but what a delightful person. I see that in both you and Sarah. My thoughts are with you. Love

Blanche Mangum

June 17, 2011

Susan,

While I never met your father, I have always thought highly of him. He reminds me of my father - conservative, a veteran, etc.. I long envied how supportive he was of you. You married young, went into your own businesses and your dad was a solid supporter of youand your family in all you did. My father was supportive, but it takes a special person to stand by a daughter and watch her many successes. You clearly are a reflection of his many attributes: smart, witty, prosperous, and devoted. There is no better legacy. Much love to you all, Susan.

Ruth Monnig

June 16, 2011

Steve K. Cochran...my cousin. He was one of the funniest people I ever met!
He was charming, honorable, courageous, well spoken, a fine provider, an excellent father, and an outstanding attorney. He loved life and his family.
I will truly miss his political insights and more over Steve the person a great deal!

Tim Steele

June 16, 2011

Has to be the "most handsome" claim. Steve was smart, charming and witty but above all else, he was a good and honorable man.

Thomas R McDade

June 9, 2011

Must be "most handsome" as he certainly seemed witty enough!

June 8, 2011

The Final Salute

“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.

This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Steven Knight Cochran our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Steve. And to Steve it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country while serving as a Naval Aviator in the U.S. Navy. Steve, we bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.

On behalf of the 1,307 members of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion, I extend our sympathies and our condolences to Steve’s family and loved ones.

Dennis Engdahl, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 S. Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109

For the Commander, Carroll R. Michaud

June 8, 2011

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