Dana J. Cochran

Dana J. Cochran, 84, recently of Bellefontaine, OH and formerly of Winslow, ME, left this world quite suddenly but peacefully at Ayden by Belle Springs nursing home in the late night of October 25, 2024. He left to join his beloved wife of 66 years, Jane A. (Buzzell) Cochran and their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He was born in Waterville, ME on January 15, 1940, to the late Dana W. Cochran and Rowena (Morse) Cochran. He was educated in Oakland, Maine and attended some classes at the University of Maine.

On September 5, 1956, he married his childhood sweetheart, Jane and they raised 7 children in Oakland, Maine (4 sons and 3 daughters) who all survive. Daniel J. Cochran, David J. Cochran (wife, Dawn), Joy D. (husband, Claude Leroux, Jr.), Jill D. Cochran (Donny Farrington), Jonathan D. Cochran (wife, Cathe), DeAnna J. (husband, David E. Trask), and Jeremy D. Cochran. We also remember their 4th Daughter by windfall, Diana M. (Otis) Cochran, who was always there with a song, a smile, and sentimental words and deeds so cherished. Dana is also preceded in death by Geneva Cochran, first wife of David and brother, Allen B. Cochran (1939). He also cared much for and is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Warren A. and Ethel (White) Buzzel of NH and FL.

Being raised in Oakland, Maine by his grandparents, Ai and Ina (Small) Cochran during WWII, he was privileged to be able to live around (and in) the water at Messalonskee Lake. He worked with his mother, who was the owner of Morse’s Point Bathing Beach and therefore developed his natural affinity for swimming, diving, boating, camping, fishing and many, many campfires. He met Janie in Sunday School at the Oakland Baptist Church in 1948, it was then that he says he knew he had met his future wife. 

He was proud to be a Grandfather to 18 children, Great Grandfather to 28 children, and Great-Great Grandfather of 2. He was the Uncle, Great Uncle, Great-Great Uncle, to many treasured nieces, nephews, and extended family. One of those grandchildren, Juliana, spent the last 6 months helping to watch over and care for him and for that, we are thankful for her dedication. He believed in a large family and tried to convince Janie that fielding an entire baseball team should be their goal. 

Dana was a salesman for the biggest part of his adult life, he sold everything from bread, Pepsi, Pepperidge Farm cookies, Frito Lay’s, welding equipment and finally Snap-On Tools. He was gifted in the art of gab and many of us didn’t fall far from that tree. He had many acquaintance type friends because he could be very entertaining in his Maine vernacular and the stories he told. 

Dana loved toys, there’s just no getting around that fact. He loved cars, boats, trucks and John Deere. He was still talking about trying to drive Claude’s red (retro) sports car, renewing his driver’s license and getting back out on the JD Gator. There were many conversations about vehicles of all forms.

Though Dana had a lot of friends there were two men who were his best friends, Bennie Yeaton, and Ed Albin, who spent 40 years and nearly 50 years, respectively as the three amigos. Dana recruited them to church, singing in the choir and hanging out, laughing, and storytelling. Bennie went to be with the Lord in 1995 and Mike Dawes became part of the circle and sadly, we lost him too in 2022. Our dear Ed, is the last man standing and he has reached 90!

Those family members who were able to make their way to Ohio were greeted by his mischievous smile, his colorful memory of life’s times and events and his bright blue eyes. 

There will be a Celebration of Dana’s Life, Funeral and Graveside services held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 1:00 PM – location to be confirmed - Graveside service immediately following at Lakeview Cemetery, Oakland, Maine.

EICHHOLTZ DARING & SANFORD FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTER, BELLEFONTAINE, is honored to serve the Cochran family and encourages anyone to share a fond memory or message of condolence at www.edsfh.com 

FAMILY AUTHORED OBITUARY

EJT