Bobby Cochran

Bobby E. Cochran, 72, of Ontario, passed away early Wednesday morning, May 13, 2015, at OhioHealth MedCentral Mansfield Hospital. He was born April 21, 1943, in Johnson County, Kentucky, to the late Loman and Cora (McKenzie) Cochran.

Bobby graduated from Shelby Senior High School in 1961. He then served three years during the Korean War with the U.S. Army. He retired from General Motors after 30 years of service, most recently as a fork lift operator. Bobby was a member of the U.A.W. and served as a committeeman for General Motors. In his spare time, he collected sports cards, went fishing, groomed his yard to perfection and cut wood for his favorite pastime, bonfires.

He was very giving and was always willing to lend a helping hand, provide a strong shoulder to lean on or offer sound advice. His big heart and love for family and friends was evident every day of his life. Bobby's family was most important to him and he loved to cook, with chili being his specialty. He was loved by many throughout his life and Bobby's legacy will live on in the lives of those he touched.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ellen Rickey Cochran; five children, Loman J. Cochran, Todd E. Cochran, Bobbi Jean Cochran, David "Ty" Rickey and Phillip "Clint" Rickey; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a sister, Louise (Bob) Stoffer; numerous nieces and nephews; thousands of friends; and his three faithful canine companions, Maggie Mae, Stephanie Sue and Moochie. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by five brothers, Darrell, William, Lester, Jeff and James R. Cochran.

The family will receive friends from 12-1 p.m. Saturday, May 16, 2015, at the Ontario Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Don Beverly officiating. Military honors will be presented by the Richland County Joint Veterans Burial Squad.