Lee Franklin Cochrun

Lee Franklin Cochrun was born in Nowata, OK, February 21, 1951, to Paul Franklin Cochrun, Jr., and Juanita Roberta (Riff) Cochrun. Lee was lifted from his earthy life from Odessa, TX, at age 71 into the hands of our Loving Lord on October 17, 2022.

Lee loved anything mechanical and cars of all kinds and could tell you any and everything you ever wanted (or didn’t want) to know. He always said he could fix anything but a broken heart! And that was pretty much true. Lee by way of nature and upbringing was a traveler. He lived in many states growing up with his Dad Paul’s job with Phillips Petroleum Company, mother Juanita and little sister, Brenda. He ended up graduating from high school in Crowley, Louisiana, and then joining his family already in Odessa.

Lee took to Odessa like a piston to a car’s engine. Cousin Bill remarked Lee could be the mayor of Odessa because he was always singing its praises. Lee attended Odessa College and graduated with an Associate Degree in Automotive. That wasn’t enough: he took every course he could find in Electric, Heating/Air Conditioning, Plumbing, and other courses--anything to learn how to fix things. During that time, he won the Texas State Plymouth Trouble Shooting contest and advanced to the national competition in Indianapolis in 1970.

After his education, Lee found a lifetime job at the El Paso Products plant east of Odessa. He spent 31 years there working and making lifetime friends. During that time, he married and had a beautiful baby girl that we all know and love as Tuesday Leann.

In 2003, Lee met the love of his life, Debbie Lynn Strickland, and they married on July 24, 2010. Lee and Debbie enjoyed many years of traveling with Paul and Juanita, sight-seeing all over the United States in their RV before they took off together in their own RV.

Lee enjoyed playing games (mostly the ones you might find at casinos). Mother and son have been able to enjoy many trips to Hobbs, NM, over the recent years. Lee and Debbie also enjoyed attending the annual Riff reunion in Bartlesville, OK, and meeting cousin Amy and Rick in Colorado for fun times on the ATV.

Lee always loved getting a great bargain. He was like a dog with a bone hunting for the best possible deal. Of course, free was always the best. His nickname was “Lucky Lee”.

Lee was a member of Ector County Sheriff Posse. He graduated in June 2022 from Citizens Police Academy with the Odessa Police. He thoroughly enjoyed going through the classes and was looking forward to his first ride-along. We just didn’t know the ride-along was going all the way to Heaven!

Lee has been a member of Highland United Methodist Church since 1969. He has been a valuable asset, helping in and around the church for many years. You can send a remembrance to honor Lee to Highland United Methodist, 1808 N Dixie Blvd, Odessa, TX 79761. The flowers adorning the sanctuary to honor Lee were designed by Arlene’s Cottage of Flowers.

Lee was preceded in death by his precious Daddy (Paul “Frank” Cochrun); grandparents, Paul and Thelma Cochrun; Gilbert and Calla Riff; several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Lee is survived by his loving wife Debbie, daughter Tuesday (Tim) Zeitler, stepdaughter Chrystal Garcia, grandchildren Alexis, Sierra, Aidan and Saraya; his mother Juanita Cochrun, sister Brenda Herndon, nephews Linc (Alisa) Meyers, Wesley (Micah) Ryan, 2 great nieces, 3 great nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins all over the country.

There will be a visitation at Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home in Odessa on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 4-8 pm.

Services will be at 10 am Thursday, October 27, 2022, in the sanctuary of Highland United Methodist Church. Pallbearers will be Wesley Ryan, Linc Myers, Tim Zeitler, Tom Bowden, Rick Kile and Scott Taylor. Graveside services at American Heritage Cemetery will be held immediately afterward.