John William Cochran, 92, of Green Oaks, Illinois, peacefully passed away Monday, October 28, 2024, at the home of his daughter and son-in-law surrounded by loved ones.
Born in Akron, Ohio, November 11, 1931, he was a son of the late Remus and Ethel Waugh Cochran.
A memory his grandchildren have is going to the Oshkosh air shows. He also, almost once a week, would drive to the grandchildren’s schools, starting in elementary school up to high school, and take them out to lunch. His daughter remembers playing chess, shooting pool, playing Monopoly, golfing and vacations all over the U.S.
John could tell jokes all night long. He loved to travel – England, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, France and his favorite, Scotland. He also visited 49 states.
John dedicated 47 years of his life to working at Walgreens. He started out as a clerk in the stores and moved up to Store Manager, opening many stores around the country. At the end of his career, he was the Senior Seasonal Buyer, working out of Walgreens’ corporate office. He loved his country and was a U. S. Veteran having served in the Air Force.
John was proud of his West Virginia roots. His grandfather, Lincoln “Link” Cochran, was the Sheriff of Pocahontas County as was his uncle, Clyde Cochran.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Alice Laube.
John will be dearly missed by his family:
Loving father of Laura Cochran Barney (Gene); cherished grandfather of Michelle Stevens, Chandler Stevens, and Paige Stevens; caring uncle of Harold Laube (Michele), Dianne Chapman (Paul), Janice Hudson (Jon) and Craig Laube (Anna Maria); great-uncle of Brandon Laube (Lindsey), Evan Laube (Cassie), Brett Laube (Amanda), Gabe Chapman, Ryan Chapman (Susannah), Allicen Lottes (Dave), Ashley Hubbard (Colin), Courtney Fox (James), Jay Hudson (Brianna), Elyse McGraw (Glen); great-great -uncle of Addison, Emma, Aiden, Callie, Cavin, Holden, Graham, Elizabeth, Katherine, Colin, Crawford, Kennedy, Ian, Skyler, Isla; and a host of extended family and dear friends. Also, wife, Carolyn.
Graveside service will be held Saturday, November 9, 2024, at noon at Crown Hill Cemetery, 8592 Darrow Road in Twinsburg, Ohio.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
