Herbert James Kochman

He was born on April 24th, 1933 in Springfield IL, son of William and Clara (Schimanski) Kochman.

Herb is survived by three sons, Ken (Celine), Jim (Lisa), and Ron, two grandsons, Jeremy (Amanda), and Zachary, granddaughter Rayne and great granddaughter Giulia. Herb is survived by his brother Jerry (Kris), three sisters Dorothy Ladage, Janet Hazlett, and Carol Anne (Ron) Oldani and many nephews and nieces.

Herb joined the US Air Force at 18 years old in 1951 as a student pilot as a result of good math skills learned as a graduate of Lanphier High School in Springfield IL. In 28 years of service with the Air Force, Herb became a fighter pilot and saw combat action in the Vietnam War flying the Phantom F4 fighter bomber. Herb was especially proud of the aircraft he flew as well as the missions and other pilots who became good friends over the years. During his Air Force service Herbert achieved a Master’s Degree in Business and retired with rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 1978.

He then remained in the Las Vegas NV area, having a home in Las Vegas and then Henderson, NV. After his service to country, Herb become a successful businessman with a dry-cleaning business as well as real estate development building apartments and homes. Herb was an avid golfer and always spent time either working on something or on the golf course.

Herb always considered Springfield his true home and always wanted to return there some day. Now he is home.

Arrangements are in the care of Bisch and Son Funeral Home 505 E. Allen St. Springfield, IL where the visitation will be held on Friday, April 21, 2023 from 4-7 pm. A funeral service will be held at 10 am Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the funeral home with Pastor Adam Bridgeman officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Ridge Cemetery with military honors provided by the Inter-Veterans Burial Detail of Sangamon County and the Department of Defense.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.bischandsonfuneralhome.com

Bisch and Son Funeral Home. 217-544-5424