WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Stuart Cochran, 86, died Friday, Aug. 27, 2010 in Tucson, Ariz. Stuart was born in Constantine on Sept. 1, 1923 the son of Warren and Lillian Cochran, and the family moved to the Cochran family farm outside of Three Rivers at an early age. He joined the U.S. Navy in January of 1941 at the age of 17. He became a pilot, and was active in many theaters of WWII and Korea. After 20 years of service to his country he retired from the military to begin a new life as a dairy farmer. After retiring from the dairy business Stuart and his wife, Marilyn, lived part-time in Tucson, Ariz.
Stuart had five children from his first marriage, Sandra Cochran-Clipfell, Stuart Cochran II, James Cochran, Carol Ann Cochran-Lamb and Kenneth Cochran. Stuart’s second marriage was to Marilyn Blum Kettles on Sept. 23, 1969. She survives along with Stuart’s four children and several grandchildren. Also by Marilyn’s three children, Michael Kettles, Charles Kettles, and Kathleen Kettles; two greatly admired military grandchildren, Lt. Tony Cochran of the U. S. Air Force and Seaman John Cochran of the U.S. Navy. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Warren Cochran, Jr. and his son, Stuart Cochran II.
Stuart has been laid to rest in Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta. A memorial service and military rites will take place at Fort Custer National Cemetery at 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24, with Rev. Carl Greene officiating. Memorials may be directed to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements were by the Eickhoff, Farrand, Halverson Chapel of Three Rivers. An online register is available at www.efhchapel.com.
May Stuart rest in peace near his fellow service men and women. We remember him fondly as a confident, enthusiastic, and hard-working man who loved life and transferred his optimism to all he knew and loved.
