age 87, passed away on August 22, 2017. He was born on August 6, 1930 at home in Abilene, Texas. He was the third of five children. He had three brothers and a sister. His mother died, when he was five, while giving birth to his youngest brother. After his mother's passing, he spent time living with his father and other family members. Ultimately, he came to live with long-time family friend, David Pardue. David loved him, brought him up and put him through college.
He joined the US Navy in 1947 and became a Hospital Corpsman. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1950, he attended college and graduated from Abilene Christian College in 1954 with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in History. Upon graduation, he became a school teacher. He taught school for 11 years before making a career change becoming a corrosion engineer, which he continued until he retired.
He was a member of NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) for many years. Highly regarded in his field, he has two published papers in The Library of Congress regarding corrosion engineering. He was a lifelong Student and Teacher of the Bible.
Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah Janell Reynolds Cochran; mother, Margery Aileen Clay Cochran; father, Newell Travis Cochran, Sr.; foster father, David Pardue; sister, Margie Carruth; and brothers, N.T. "Red" Cochran, Jr., J.H. "Bill" Cochran & Kerry Cochran. He is survived by his children: Joy Burwell & husband Paul, of Dayton, Texas; Jill Holley-Smith & husband, Rob, of Denison, Texas; and Jan Kooi & husband, Michael, of New Caney, Texas; grandchildren: Amy Wallace, Trixi Carr, Lauren Kerley, Misty Holley, Joshua Holley, Ariel Holley and Brooke Holland; great grandchildren: Kathryn, Grace and Jonathan Wallace, Elise, Alex, Chloe, Emily, Caleb and Sarah Kerley, Brianna and Jasmine Carr, Olivia, Vaughn, Maverick, Wesley and Stetson Holley and Camden Wyeth; and nieces, nephews and many friends.
Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 12 Noon on Monday, August 28, 2017 at Northside Baptist Church, 701 North FM 3083 West, Conroe, Texas 77303, where a 1 pm funeral service will be held. Serving as pallbearers will be John Carr, Kerry Carruth, Joshua Holley, Ron Holley, Alexander Kerley, Rob Smith, Jonathan Wallace and Stephen Wallace. Honorary pallbearers will be Maverick, Wesley and Stetson Holley, Caleb Kerley and Camden Wyeth. Graveside services and interment will follow in Garden Park Cemetery in Conroe, Texas. Those wishing to post tributes and memories to the family may do so at www.eickenhorstfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Fred Mayes
March 9, 2022
I was thinking of Jerry today and found this obit on the net. I co-authored a NACE paper with him while he was at Reynolds. He came to work for Phillips, where I worked. Sorry to learn he is no longer with us. He was a good man.
R D
September 22, 2017
So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort bring peace to the family and friends.
September 6, 2017
During this time of great sorrow and pain, know that you are not alone. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, may our Father, the God of peace, give you comfort and peace in every way today, tomorrow, and always. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
Ginger Norred
August 31, 2017
To Jerry's family: We were so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. What a wonderful Christian man he was! I worked with him a short time at TDCJ, & my husband & I thought so highly of him & also Janell. They were a sweet & loving couple! We pray the Lord will comfort you at this time. Love & prayers, Ginger & Don Norred
Lisa Kimball Coyne
August 27, 2017
I'm sorry for your loss. Mr. Cochran was such a gentle soul and man. We attended church together. The last time I saw him was in Target many years ago and he gave me a quick math lesson on a napkin and I really enjoyed it. I still have that little napkin by the way. Be comforted in The Lord.
August 26, 2017
I am sorry for your loss. May the God of comfort be with you during your time of mourning. Isaiah 61:1,2 ; Matthew 5:4
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