Kenneth L. Cochrum Sr.

Though a proud Texan, Ken was born in Donaldsonville, Louisiana on January 11, 1936. Despite this delayed start, Ken got to the promised land as quickly as he could where he would remain for the rest of his life. He grew up in Baytown, where he experienced a classic “Friday night lights” childhood, playing halfback on his high school’s football team. He came to saving faith in Jesus Christ during this season of life. He also was the youngest Eagle Scout in East Harris County.

After high school, Ken attended The University of Texas. His time at UT was a pivotal season of life: he met and fell in love with his wife Carolyn Taylor Cochrum, marrying in 1956, and became a lifelong Longhorn fan, sparking a three-generation legacy of Texas Exes. He could often be found decked out in burnt orange on game day. While at UT, he studied petroleum engineering and meteorology, was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, and was the Wing Air Force Commander in the ROTC. After graduating in 1959, Ken spent two years in Wichita, Kansas, serving in the Air Force in the Strategic Air Command as a meteorologist under the command of General Curtis LeMay. Following this stint in the military, he moved to Beaumont, Texas, to pursue engineering.

In 1963, Ken and Carolyn welcomed a son, Kenneth Lee Cochrum Jr., and three years later, a daughter, Carolyn Clay Cochrum. Ken was a devoted father, coaching softball and football. No matter where in the world he was for work, he always did his best to be at every game and recital and performance. He was also a loving and caring husband who put his beloved wife before himself. He was her dance partner and travel companion and best friend. Ken and Carolyn were active members at Grace Presbyterian Church. He was very proud of his family and passed along his character and integrity to his children.

He started his career at Humble Oil in 1963, where he was a senior engineer. During his engineering career, Ken successfully submitted several patents, joined the elite group Development Engineering, became a deep sea exploratory drilling expert, and was on a committee to develop an offshore energy complex in 1965. He belonged to the Official Society of Professional Engineers, the American Meteorological Society, and the Society of Petroleum Engineers. He was recognized in 2017 by Governor Greg Abbott for being a registered professional engineer in the state of Texas for 50 years.

In 1967, Ken moved to Houston, where he began a successful career in investment banking. He started at Underwood Neuhaus, where he became the head of the international department. He initiated the firm’s European business, spending much of his career in London, Paris, Stockholm, Brussels, and Scotland. He also traveled often to New York and Boston. After 14 years, he started working at Schneider, Burnett, and Hickman, where he was the executive director of the international department. He next spent time at Rotan Mosle, where he served as the vice president and covered the East Coast and Europe. He spent 10 years at UBS as vice president. He concluded his investment career at Morgan Stanley, where he served as an investment advisor. Ken was not only remembered by his colleagues as an excellent businessman but a wonderful friend and coworker.

Ken was a world traveler for work, but he also traveled often for pleasure. Ken belonged to Lakeside Country Club, where he served as president in 2009, and was chairman of the Board of Directors. He also served as the president of Lakeside’s ‘Breakfast Club.’ Most Saturdays, he could be found on the Lakeside golf course for his standing golf game of over 20 years with close friends. After losing their Houston home of 46 years due to the Hurricane Harvey floods, he spent the last chapter of his life in Austin and Plano, close to his family.

Ken passed away peacefully on July 4. He is survived by his son Ken Cochrum Jr., his daughter Carrie Cochrum Runn, his brother George Cochrum, his sister-in-law Karen Anderson Cochrum, his daughter-in -law Ann Elvig Cochrum, his son-in -law Gary Runn, his grandchildren Travis Cochrum and his wife Ruth Megli Cochrum, Amy Havis and her husband Kevin Havis, Courtney Runn, Davis Runn, and six great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Carolyn, father George Cochrum, mother Edith Leslie Cochrum, and his great granddaughter Hope Havis.

A celebration of life will be held Friday, August 1, 2025, 3 p.m., at Citizens Church, 4501 Legacy Drive Plano, Texas.

Ken always made sure the freezer was stocked with Bluebell’s Homemade Vanilla and his candy jar filled to the brim with Hershey kisses. In his honor, enjoy an extra sweet treat today.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to help with flood relief in the Texas Hill Country, which Ken enjoyed. We recommend www.texansonmission.org/disaster-relief