Richard Cochran

1919 - 2016

Richard Ford Cochran CHARLOTTE - Richard Ford Cochran passed away peacefully in his Charlotte home on July 7, 2016 at the age of 97, surrounded by members of his loving family. The second child of Elsie and Richard Whitney Cochran, Richard was born in Washington, New Jersey on April 14, 1919. After graduating from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Richard married his high school sweetheart, Bettie Bashaw, in 1943. He was an officer in the Air Force and loyally served his country in locales such as India and Tinian Island during WWII. Following the war, Richard and Bettie moved to Ithaca, NY, where he attended Cornell University to complete his graduate studies. Richard would go on to have a distinguished career as an engineer with Sealtest Dairy, with whom he worked until his retirement in 1983. Richard enjoyed an abundant life with Bettie well into his 90's, involving many family gatherings, enjoyment of his second home in Orlando, reading of all kinds, genealogy, and creating imaginative gifts for his family. He was most noted for his lovely flower gardens which he cultivated from seed and which continue to be a beautiful reminder of Richard's creative energy. Richard is survived by his loving wife of 73 years, Bettie, their five children, Robin Barnes (husband Dave), Holly, Whitney (wife Marcia), Robert (wife Deborah), and Jonathan; four grandchildren, Colby, Whitney, Elizabeth and Sarah; sisters, Jean Stevens and Marion Wiesel and brother, Robert Cochran. A family service was held on July 9th at the Heritage Funeral Home in Indian Trail, NC. The family is very appreciative of Richard and Bettie's kind neighbors whose support was so valued during the final weeks of Richard's life.