Eugene R. Cochran Jr.

“All Good things must come to an end!” A final attempt to lighten the heavy hearts of his family. Eugene Ray Cochran Jr., 70, passed away at the VA Hospital in Syracuse NY., February 14, 2018. Following a long battle with several illnesses brought on or complicated by the effects of Agent Orange. Gene, also known as “Junior” grew up in Mansfield, OH. Born to the late Eugene R. and Berdie M. (Reed) Cochran Sr. on May 15, 1947 in Marion, OH. He lived a life to remember and thankfully he had no problem sharing his story or his thoughts usually humorously about any and everything including his love of God, family, Country, & football. In his life he enjoyed hunting, fishing, & watching the game. He cared a great deal about what he was driving. This included motorcycles, cars, and trucks. He listened to country music and would sing along with a great voice that will be missed. In the 60's Gene volunteered to serve in the U. S. Army leading to two back to back tours in Vietnam in the 5th Transportation Co., 1st Logistics Command, participating in the Tet Offensive. During the 70's he joined a CB radio club in the Skaneateles area and was in the Jaycee's. Throughout his life he had many means of employment. A natural salesman, selling things from gas to frozen food and freezers. He worked at Crouse-Hinds for several years but, positions of trust, loyalty, & service were by far the kind of employment he enjoyed the most. A prison guard, & security guard for many years to include working for Brinks, until his dream job, an Onondaga County Deputy Sheriff at the Public Safety Building in Syracuse from which he retired. Gene was honored with an award by the Sheriff's Department after saving the lives of two people on separate occasions.
  Although not long enough, his life was full. It included 5 marriages. The 1st, no more then a memory & a story for our ears but the 2nd was the story of our lives. In 1974 he married the late Kathleen Leora Kappesser, the mother of his three children they raised together in Jordan NY. Gene and Kathy remained married until her passing in 1995. In search for what he lost in Kathy, Gene married two more times before finally finding someone he could love the rest of his life, coincidentally another Kathy.
Surviving Gene's life is his beloved wife Kathleen M. Cochran. His son, Sean D. (Lori) Cochran of Moravia NY. Daughter, Leslie E. (Mark Iaia) Cochran Cook of Auburn NY. Son, Eugene Ray (Tina) Cochran III. of Memphis NY. Very special Son-In-Law, Kenneth (Pam McDowell) Cook of Port Byron NY. & Step-son, Michael Dauphinee of Conesus NY. Also surviving, two sisters, Jerri (Jerry) Anderson of Millersburg OH. and Jackie (Ron) Cochran Scherer of Mansfield OH. Sister in-laws, Cindy (Terry) Sears of Weedsport NY. Judith Smith of San Antonio, TX. Deborah Fillion of Rochester and two brothers in law, Ernest Kappesser of Weedsport NY and Henry (Robin) Bowers of Mattydale. 8 grandchildren: Joshua, Geno (IV), and Baylee Cochran, Cameron, and Kathleen Cook, Dakota, Thunder, and Michael Dauphinee all from NY., and several nieces and nephews. He was also preceded by two sisters, Judith Ethridge, Janice Harper, and a brother John Zentler.
Calling hours for family and friends will take place Monday February 19th from 4-7 PM. at the Bush Funeral Home in Elbridge, NY. A celebration of life and memorial service will be held, Tuesday February 20th from 5-7 at the Clifford E. Galbraith VFW Memorial Post 7127 in Moravia NY. of which he became a member with his oldest son. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Comrades, 1151 Powerhouse Rd. Memphis NY, 13112. A non for profit, co-founded by his son Gene, in support of Veterans.
 

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