Michael Cochran, Sr.

Michael Carl Cochran, Sr., age 77, of rural Timewell, Illinois passed away at 11:51 p.m. Sunday, April 16, 2017 at his residence.

He was born June 5, 1939 in La Porte, Indiana the son of Onnie W. and Lois I. Fabian Cochran.  He married Gail A. Goldasich on August 14, 1987 in Godfrey, Illinois and she survives.

Mr. Cochran worked as an Illinois River Project Manager for the Illinois Department of Natural Resources for several years retiring in 2002.

He graduated from Isaac Elston Senior High School in Michigan City, Indiana with the class of 1957.  He then received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1969 and a Master of Science Degree in 1977 both from Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and had also attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. 

Mr. Cochran was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Corporal.

He was a member of the Timewell Baptist Church.  Mike was a true nature lover who used his education to better the environment for future generations during both his professional career and in his retirement.  He was also an avid deer hunter and fisherman and had a special place in his heart for both the Chicago Cubs and Bears.  Mike was a charter member of the Indiana chapter of the American Fisheries Society, was a member of the Big Buck Measurers through the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and a member of the American Tree Farm System Committee.  He was a member of the Sting Squad and was an active volunteer for the Brown County Hornet Football team where he helped video the games for the coaches for several years.

Survivors include his wife Gail Cochran of Timewell, Illinois.  1 son Michael Carl Cochran, Jr. (Melissa) of Clayton, Illinois.  1 brother Stephen Cochran of Sarasota, Florida.  3 sisters Mary Beth Winfrey of Michigan City, Indiana and Cheryl Strahle and Doreen Henry both of La Porte, Indiana also survives along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2017 in the Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling with Rev. Dale Gadberry officiating.

Burial will be in the Becam Cemetery near Timewell, Illinois.   Military services will be conducted at the graveside by the United States Marine Corps Funeral Honors Detail.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening in the funeral home. Friends may also call from 8:00 a.m. until the time of services on Thursday at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to Brown County Against Cancer or The Sting Squad.

Condolences for the family may be left on line at www.hendrickerfuneralhome.com.

The Hendricker Funeral Home in Mt. Sterling is in charge of the arrangements.