Leland W. Cochran

Leland W. Cochran, 85, Overland Park, KS, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2005. He was born in Topeka, KS, to J. Floyd and Elma Cochran. He married Evelyn Maxine Jones on April 7, 1946. Leland spent his early years in Topeka, attending Business school there before entering government Civil Service with the Department of Justice. He was a veteran of World War II. Prior to active duty, he was an instructor of Army Primary Flight training. After his military service, he was employed with the Federal Aviation Agency as a controller and data systems specialist. Mr. Cochran had a combined total of 41 years of government service before his retirement in 1980. After retiring, he was a volunteer at Shawnee Mission Medical Center for 17 years and many years at Valley View Methodist Church. Leland was a life member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, a member of Valley View United Methodist Church of Overland Park, and a member of the KU Alumni Association. He and his wife traveled extensively visiting all of the continents, and they enjoyed the many cruises they shared together. Mr. Cochran was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Marilyn Joan Cochran; and a brother, Burton F. Cochran. Survivors include his wife Maxine of the home; a sister-in-law Anne Cochran of Alexandria, VA; a brother Clayton and wife Norma of Topeka, KS. His three sons also survive him, Steven C. Cochran of Lawrence, KS, Keith M. and his wife Kathy Cochran of Statesville, NC, and Dr. Kevin S. and his wife Lynn Cochran of Augusta, GA; three grandsons, Michael, David and Jeffrey Cochran of Statesville, NC; and three granddaughters, Callie Madison and Brianna Elizabeth Cochran of Augusta, GA, and Heather Cheever and her husband Craig of Fayetteville, AR. Also surviving are three great-grandchildren, Walker, Kate and Calvin Cheever, as well as several nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Valley View United Methodist Church. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, July 30 at Valley View United Methodist Church, 8412 W. 95th Overland Park, KS, 66212. Visitation will be 6:30-8 p.m., Friday, July 29, at D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 11200 Metcalf, Overland Park. Entombment will be private. (Arr; D.W. Newcomer's Sons Johnson County Chapel, 913-4511860).