Norl D. Cochran

Recently, Norl Cochran was described as a “mountain of a man” by his son, Ron. As Norl was a tall person, some might take this at face value as a reference to his height. In reality, this description is more accurate of the way he lived his life. Substantial. Large. All-encompassing. If he was in a room with you, you knew it … and if you didn’t, you would soon enough because Norl would be shaking your hand and asking seven questions in rapid fire to get to know you better. Norl Dane Cochran was born on December 18, 1932 in Coalton, Ohio to George and Allena Cochran. At the age of 20 years old he enlisted in the Air Force, where he would go on to serve four years and become a veteran of the Korean War, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal, and the United Nations Service Medal. But as memorable as his service in the armed forces is, it’s what he did one year into his service that Norl will be remembered and revered for. On October 17, 1953, Norl Cochran married Doris Hamilton in the Second Church of God in Springfield, Ohio. Married by Doris’ best friend’s father, these two people walked hand in hand out of that white-trimmed building and into the rest of their lives not knowing that over the next 67 years their love and commitment would create a family spanning five children of their own, 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild (on the way). Over the next 67 years, 10 months, and 21 days, Norl was focused on his family. Described as the ultimate “family man,” Norl doted on his wife and children, Kathy, Lori, Doug, Ron, and Randy. As young children he was at every school function and every activity. Even as they moved all over the country with the lumber industry, family came first. Doris describes her husband as someone who always had her and their family’s back. As their children grew into adulthood, it didn’t matter if they were moving to another continent, joining the military, getting married, learning a trade, or going to college—Norl continually maintained that steady beat of support and togetherness. Soon, “dad” became “grandpa.” And then “grandpa” became “great grandpa.” Years passed, but Norl remained a constant in so many lives. The man who hated to miss the T.V. shows JAG and NCIS also loved rowdy card games around the kitchen table. The man who drove a clown car in the McClown’s Parade also loved to cook, and made the best grilled cheese sandwich between McIntosh and McCurtain county. He was a fierce competitor (ask about the Cochran family Monopoly rules), an avid traveler (both within the U.S. and abroad), and spent a lot of time encouraging his grandchildren to be their best selves. He loved a good debate with friends and a good book in his recliner. But nothing gave Norl more happiness than a house full of the sounds and love of his family. The patriarch of the Cochran family stood a formidable six feet tall. He took up physical space and had a booming voice and a strong handshake. He was quick of tongue, but also quick of laughter. The man who spent so many years around hard lumber and hauling building materials spent just as much time cradling babies and loving on the many family pets. He coached many members of his family through rough patches in their lives. He exclaimed over the plethora of quilts his wife worked so hard at creating. He tried very hard to be a “tough” grandfather to all of his grandbabies when he thought they needed it … but we knew better. Norl Cochran loved his family more than we’ll ever really know, which is saying a lot. The Cochran family lost Norl on September 7, 2021. He is survived by his wife, Doris, by his children Kathy (and Ron) Haygood of San Antonio, TX, Lori (and Doug) Gaston of Whitesboro, TX, Doug Cochran of Eufaula, OK, Ron (and Betty) Cochran of Tecumsah, OK, and Randy (and Mary K) Cochran of Dewar, OK, and by his 14 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, George and Allena Cochran, and his siblings Cletus Cochran, Olita Murrell, Audrey Hoffman, Viris Cochran, Marilyn Hall, and Gerald Cochran.