He was born in 1943 in Decatur to Darold Wayne and Charlotte Cochran.
He grew up in Sullivan and moved to Mount Pulaski after receiving his bachelor's degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University, where he later received a master's degree as well. He took a leave from teaching and served in the Army for two years. In addition to being a teacher and mentor, Tom had many talents and interests. He loved woodworking, reading, nature, writing, history, genealogy, working in his yard, spending time with his family and traveling to visit his grandkids. Tom taught Social Studies at Mount Pulaski Grade School for 40 years. He met Nancy Eckert (his wife of nearly 50 years) at Mount Pulaski Grade School.
His wife survives along with their four children, Sarah (Jon) Jenkins, Lisa Cochran (Brian Hartman), Mark (Nancy) Cochran and Susan (Sam) Whitehill and six grandchildren, Evan, George, Liam, Hannah, Leah and Zelda. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, David Cochran and Jim Cochran.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. A time of visitation will take place from 3:00 - 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Fricke-Calvert Schrader Funeral Home in Mount Pulaski. (The family asks that everyone in attendance wear a face mask).
Memorial donations may be made in Tom's name to The Glioblastoma Foundation.
Lincoln Daily News (Lincoln, IL)- June 1, 2020
He was born in 1943 in Decatur to Darold Wayne and Charlotte Cochran.
He grew up in Sullivan and moved to Mount Pulaski after receiving his bachelor's degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University, where he later received a master's degree as well. He took a leave from teaching and served in the Army for two years. In addition to being a teacher and mentor, Tom had many talents and interests. He loved woodworking, reading, nature, writing, history, genealogy, working in his yard, spending time with his family and traveling to visit his grandkids. Tom taught Social Studies at Mount Pulaski Grade School for 40 years. He met Nancy Eckert (his wife of nearly 50 years) at Mount Pulaski Grade School.
His wife survives along with their four children, Sarah (Jon) Jenkins, Lisa Cochran (Brian Hartman), Mark (Nancy) Cochran and Susan (Sam) Whitehill and six grandchildren, Evan, George, Liam, Hannah, Leah and Zelda. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, David Cochran and Jim Cochran.
A private family graveside service will be held at a later date. A time of visitation will take place from 3:00 - 6:00pm on Wednesday, June 3, 2020 at Fricke-Calvert Schrader Funeral Home in Mount Pulaski. (The family asks that everyone in attendance wear a face mask).
Memorial donations may be made in Tom's name to The Glioblastoma Foundation.
Lincoln Daily News (Lincoln, IL)- June 1, 2020
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