Donald Dempsey Cochran

Donald Dempsey “Don” Cochran, 74, of Cape Coral, died earlier this month after a long illness. A former executive with the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, he later entered the construction and real estate business. Born in Akron, OH, on August 21, 1937, Don graduated from Ohio State University with a degree in industrial engineering. He entered the banking profession for a few years before joining Goodyear where he held positions in Akron and New York City. In 1973, he joined with longtime friend Ken Payne to open Lantern Realty and later formed Cochran-Payne Construction. Don moved to Cape Coral in 1982 and built numerous notable homes and condominiums. He continued to be active in the real estate business until his death. An enthusiastic golfer, Don was happiest when on the course with his golfing friends or traveling with his wife, Jo Hardwick. One of his most memorable days was celebrating his 70th birthday with a round of golf on the course in Glacier National Park. He and Jo also enjoyed spending time at their summer home in Hayesville, NC. Don was an avid reader, consuming everything from fiction to nonfiction, and enjoyed the solace and solitude of the mountains. He and Jo found plenty of time for travel with trips over the years to Ireland, Scotland, Canada, South America, the Caribbean, and the Baltic countries, extensive travel in the United States and were always planning their next adventure. An accomplished fisherman, Don enjoyed being out on the water with his fishing buddies, whether trying for walleyes in Canada or catching snook, redfish, and tarpon in FL. Don was a gentle, caring man, who read the Bible daily and enjoyed spending time with family and friends, who will miss his warm smile and abundant wisdom. He was predeceased by his parents, John Dempsey and Nellie Cameron Cochran, along with a stepson, Brad Hardwick. Don is survived by his wife and best friend, Jo Hardwick, of Cape Coral; sons Daniel, of Akron, OH; Darin and David, of Glendale, AZ; a sister, Linda (Harry) Fath of Cinncinatti, OH; nieces Heather (William) Jeffress, Lindsey (Scott) Everest, and Lisa (Scott) Ray, and nephew Scott (Sarah) Fath; stepdaughters, Deborah (Bob) Morris, of Winter Park, FL; Robin (Rob) Greig and Mary Beth (Chris) Keslinger, of Cape Coral; and Clay Hardwick, of St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; step-grandsons Bo and Dash Morris, and David Keslinger; and step-granddaughters Crystal McClaran and Crystal Keslinger. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, July 21st at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 2507 Del Prado Blvd., SE, Cape Coral, FL. A celebration of Don’s life will follow in the church’s parish hall. Those wishing to remember Don may make donations to Hospice House, 2430 Diplomat Pkwy. East, Cape Coral, FL or Pace Center for Girls of Lee County, 3760 School House Rd., West, Ft. Myers, FL, 33916.