Philip Cochrane

SAVOY - Philip John Patrick Cochrane, 82, passed away peacefully on St. Patrick's Day (March 17, 2025). 

He was born in Urbana to James Cochrane and Alice Hettinger Cochrane on Jan. 18, 1943, the second of six siblings. As a child, Phil enjoyed fishing trips to Wisconsin, organized baseball and spending time on the Hettinger family farm.

Phil was a proud 1961 alumnus of Champaign Central High School, spending many years volunteering on the football chain gang. It was at Central where he met the love of his life, Karen Eichhorst. They married on April 25, 1964, and had over 60 years of joy, love and laughter. Phil had a special bond with the Eichhorst family and played many heated hands of Pinochle after Sunday family dinners.

Phil and Karen had three children, Ann of Savoy, Tim (Linda) of Champaign and Amy (Jeff) Bayless of Savoy.

Phil was an avid supporter of all of his children's activities. He was a 4-H leader and softball coach for the Somer 4-H Club for many years. As his children became adults, his support took on tackling home-improvement projects in their homes. His kids dropping in for daily visits after work were some of his happiest moments.

Phil worked the majority of his career in Urbana at Illinois Power Company in the gas distribution department, where he enjoyed mentoring young workers. Many of his co-workers became lifelong friends. For many years, he played in a work golf league, and he looked forward to the monthly breakfast with retired power company guys.

He retired in 2001 as superintendent of gas operations for the Decatur service area after 33 years with the company and began a 20-year consulting career traveling across the country. His most treasured retirement days were spent golfing with his family and friends.  He could often be seen cruising the streets of the neighborhood on his lawnmower, enroute to one of the kids' houses to manicure their lawn. One of his greatest joys in recent years was visiting with the Culver's clan. They comprise a group of classmates and their spouses from high school, and every Friday, they recount old memories and forge new ones.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bill. 

Surviving are his wife; kids and spouses; beloved dog, Penny; and siblings Jim (Debbie) of Wildwood, Mo., Mary Alice (Paul) Hughes of Clinton, Mick (Lorna) of Marion and Theresa of Champaign. He is also survived by many cherished nieces, nephews and their families.

The family would like to thank the wonderful nurses, health care technicians and housekeeping at Carle, ClarkLindsey and Transitions Hospice. Their excellent care and empathy were so appreciated by Phil and his family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later time.

Donations can be made on Phil's behalf to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Condolences may be offered at morganmemorialhome.com.