John Lewis Cochran Sr

John Lewis Cochran Sr obituary, Punxsutawney, PA

John Lewis Cochran Sr

John Cochran Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc - Punxsutawney on Jan. 20, 2026.
John Lewis Cochran, Sr., 83, of Punxsutawney (formerly of Home), passed away peacefully at his son's home on Monday, January 19, 2026.

He was born at home in Indiana on March 2, 1942, a son of the late Harry Cochran and Beryl (Rummel) Cochran.

In his early years, John worked as a farmer and a coalminer. He later began working for Rayne Township and remained in that job up until a few years ago. He was a hardworking man that always put forth his best to make sure the job was done right.

John had a deep love for animals, particularly for horses. In August, his family gifted him a beautiful new horse and he named it Babe. He enjoyed sitting watching the horse graze in the field, it brought him such pride, peace and contentment. In keeping with his love of animals, he also had two goats named Dottie and Wayne, a donkey named Moses and his special yellow lab named Sadie.

Recently, he returned from a memorable trip with his family through the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, where the beauty of the rolling hills and peaceful scenery reflected the life he lived, rooted in nature, family and gratitude.

Above all, he loved spending time with his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by four children, John L. (Robin) Cochran, Jr of Punxsutawney, Frank (Tina) Cochran of Armagh, Beverly Cochran of Georgia and Charlene (Jim) Elliott of Lucerne Mines, former daughter in-law, Karen (George) James of Home; sixteen grandchildren, Kaula (Justin) Senter, Dawn (Chris) Good, Ryan Cochran, Frank (Gina) Cochran, Amber Cochran, Tyler Cochran, Mindie Foose and fiancé Brian Coalfield, Sandy (Martel Barnett) Foose, Nickol (David) Bowman, Jimmy (Crystal) Elliott, Jonathan Elliott, Brandon (Brandi) Biesinger, Katelyn (Chris) Maze, Mandy (Don) Moccio, Shane Biesinger and fiancé Jodi Tyler; thirty two great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his parents, two infant son's William Cochran and baby Cochran, two granddaughter's Frenchesca Cochran and Stephanie Elliott, great grandson James Bowman, one brother, Harry E. Cochran Sr.; three sisters, Marie E. Wagner, Stella Mano and Shirley Miller.

There will be no visitation. Arrangements entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Perry Township Fire Company.

Memorial donations may be made to the funeral home to defray expenses.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Lewis Cochran, Sr, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Cochran's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 21, 2026

Arlene Buterbaugh posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2026

Frank & Sallie Gruda posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2026

Charlene Elliott posted to the memorial.

3 Entries

Arlene Buterbaugh

January 21, 2026

So sorry to here of John's passing we are Smith family anna our mother we always had picnic s visit with relatives wonderful time sending prayers n hugs to you all.

Frank & Sallie Gruda

January 21, 2026

Frank and I are sending our deepest sympathy and condolence to the family for.the loss of John Cochran Senior
. He was a fantastic brother-in-law, always a smile and have so many memories the last 50-60 years and we thank Johnny for bringing him to our house that we could see him and visit with him. I believe he had a good time and I have pictures. Again, sorry for your loss. Hugs.

Charlene Elliott

January 21, 2026

The first time my dad was ever on a beach in Myrtle Beach with his great granddaughter, Gracelyn Elliott last year at her cheerleading competition!

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115 E Union St, Punxsutawney, PA 15767

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Sign John Cochran's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 21, 2026

Arlene Buterbaugh posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2026

Frank & Sallie Gruda posted to the memorial.

January 21, 2026

Charlene Elliott posted to the memorial.