Robert James Cochran

Lt. Col. Robert James Cochran, USAF, Ret. was born Dec. 21, 1936 to Hallie Anida (Bryan) and Atwood Beauregard “Bubba” Cochran in Camilla, GA. He was a man of faith, family, country and service. He loved the Lord, and raised his family as a devoted man of God. He was very kind, and giving to everyone. He supported many local and non-local charities. He would tell you that his biggest accomplishment was his 4 daughters. Others might say it was his military service, but he was very humble when it came to that.

As a young boy he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America. He enjoyed helping on the family farm, where he began his lifelong love of fishing. Throughout his high school years, he was on the football team, involved in Future Farmers of America (FFA), and played the trumpet in the band. All of these talents would be passed on to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He graduated from Mitchell County High School in 1954.

After graduation he attended Florida State University on a music scholarship he received for playing trumpet, by ear! He was a member and alumni of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity.

While attending college, the Vietnam War broke out and he felt called to serve. He applied and was accepted into the the United States Air Force Pilot Training Program on June 23, 1961. While in pilot training in Lubbock, Texas, he met and married his soul mate, Anita Irene (Burke) Cochran on March 10, 1962.

As a young couple, they were first stationed at Schilling AFB in Salina, KS. They were only there a short time when they received a transfer to Westover, AFB in Chicopee Falls, MA. While in MA, he flew as a co-pilot and pilot of the D Model B-52. For many of the 8 years they were there, he was away from home flying 297 missions during the Vietnam War. He spent time overseas, every year, from 1967-1973. He had 6 tours of duty, and 4 of them were 6 month tours. He had a very close relationship with all of his crew members. His crew members came up with a cool crew name. They also designed their own hat logo, as well as a coloring book created to help his crew manage their stress. The coloring book was such a hit, doctors and other crews showed up to color. He flew his last mission in January, of 1972. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross 4 times (twice for heroism), 16 air medals, The Meritorious Service Medal twice, and his squadron was awarded The Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

After retiring, he and Anita remained in CA, to be near their children and grandchildren. He also went back to college and received his elementary teaching credential, played trumpet and sang with a group of great friends in the local band, Easy Sounds, enjoyed purchasing and managing several properties, and traveling with Anita. In his later years he enjoyed family reunions in Georgia, going to lunch with friends and spending time with his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Anita, of 55 years, his parents Atwood and Hallie Cochran , his 2 brothers AB Cochran and Hal Cochran, his sister Martha Leah Powell, his 2 brother-in-laws Haley Burke and Milton Powell, his sister-in-law Linda Cochran, and his son-in-law Shawn Dale Evans.

He is survived by his children Deborah Lynn Hoag (Chuck), Angela Dawn Cochran, DeeDee Cochran-West (Jeffrey) and Donna Kay Evans. He also leaves behind his brother-in-law Jimmy Lee Burke, sister-in- law JoEllen Cochran as well as his grandchildren, David Hoag (Hannah), Danielle Unruh, Michelle Duncan (Zach), Kaden Cochran (Jacine), Joshua Clamp, Bryce West, Miranda Bradley (Ben) and great grandchildren, Jordyn, Bentlee, Remy, River, Kaitlynn, Gunner, Colton, Amalynn, Ayla, Aubree, Killian, Ryker due in September, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held on June 30, at Stratford Evans Merced Funeral Home located at 1490 B St. Merced, CA. Viewing from 10:00 AM though 3:00 PM with the Funeral Service to begin at 3:00 PM with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please give donations to the organization, church or group of your choice in his honor.

Lt. Colonel Robert James Cochran, USAF, Ret. will be laid to rest with full military honors, together with Anita, in a private service, in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia.