Kenneth Roy Cochran

Services for Kenneth Roy Cochran will be 10:00 a.m., Thurs., Sept. 15, 2005, in the Chapel of the Garden at Rice Funeral Service. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery.

A long time member of the First Christian Church, his pastor, Reverend Mark Newman will officiate. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Wed, from noon—8pm.

Kenneth passed away Sun., Sept. 11, 2005. He was 80.

Born August 2, 1925 in Arma, Kansas to Roy and Stella Cobb Cochran, Kenneth was reared and educated in California thru grade school. In 1938, the Cochran family moved to Claremore where he finished his education. Being a man of honor, very proud of his country, Kenneth joined the Navy and served during WWII. He was stationed in both France and Belgium, serving as a Naval Seabee. Following his honorable discharge, Kenneth returned to Claremore and began working in the coal mines. Introduced by a cousin, Kenneth met Delores Howard. They married in 1949 in a Collinsville ceremony.

The young couple made Claremore their home through the years. When Kenneth found time to relax after a hard day at work, he could often be found on the banks of the Oologah Lake catching fish. He also raised horses on his property near Alluwe, and though this entailed much effort, it was not a job to him, but something he loved doing.

Another of Kenneth's past times was woodworking—making items he could share with his family. You might say Kenneth's favorite hobby was his family. A proud father of three, he was always there for them. And when those grandkids came along, he was their biggest fan. His love of children spilled over to other activities he took part in. He frequently volunteered with fellow Akdar Shriners, and indication of his love and support of children. He often signed on as a clown during the Shriner circuses. He set in the homes of multiple families evaluating their children for assistance at one of the Shriner hospitals. A man that loved life and all those around him, Kenneth will be missed by his beloved family and his many friends.

Those who survive are his wife Delores of their home, his children, Karen Corey and her husband Michael of Collinsville, Debbie Cochran of Tulsa and Tom Cochran and his wife Dana of Claremore; 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law Fred Melton and many nieces and nephews and special friends.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Maxine Melton.