Gary Lee "Papa" Cochran
Loving husband, father, Papa, son, and brother, age 65, passed away January 6, 2016. He was born August 26, 1950, in Lansing. Gary graduated from LCC with an Associate Degree in quality control. He worked at Oldsmobile in SPC for 32 years, retiring in 1998, and was a member of UAW Local #652.
Gary loved his family and they will miss him greatly. Surviving are: his wife, Virginia; children, Steve Cochran, Heather Jarous and Leann Jarous; grandchildren, Morgan, Kate, Raina, Grace, and his special grandchildren, Nico and Lilyana; his siblings, Jill Starkweather, Jackie (Tom) Esch, Mike (Debbie) Cochran, Tommy (Annette) Cochran, Robin (Joan) Cochran, Debbie (Rudy) Pulido; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by: son, Chad Cochran; parents, Geraldine and Donald Cochran; sister, Sharon Lopez; and niece, Amy Esch.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 11, 2016, at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 125 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing. His family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until service time on Monday. Memorial contributions may be made to Michigan State University or to Eaton Community Palliative Care in memory of Gary Cochran. Online condolences may be left for his family at www.EstesLeadley.com. His family would like to give a special “thank you” to Northside Towing and Eaton Community Palliative Care.
5 Messages to “Gary Lee "Papa" Cochran”
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Mike Morofsky
January 9, 2016 at 10:01 amFor the brief time that I knew Gary, he seemed like an OK guy, with a good sense of humor. My condolences to you Virginia. Michael Morofsky
dennis calkins
January 9, 2016 at 10:18 amso sorry to read of gary’s passing.I got know gary after we both retired
from gm, bowling and golfing togather and rooting for the tigers and MSU sports.I know we all will miss him. denny calkins
Sandra Brown
January 9, 2016 at 12:05 pmYour presence will be missed especially by your grandchildren.
Lauren and Laurie Domino
January 9, 2016 at 9:00 pmHeather and Family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your “Papa” and understand how heart wrenching it is to lose a father. Please know you all have my love, sympathy, and prayers are being sent up to heaven. He sounds like a wonderful human being.
My “Pops” or so,etimes “Papa” passed away suddenly on the 28th of December and reading his obituary sent a chill down my spine but also tears in my eyes. Laurie and my Pops was 62 when he sided, and was born August 30th, 1953. He leaves behind a large family. The similarities are just too much.
I never knew him, but know the wonderful Heather and hear so much about the love that is in that family. I had this feeling since I heard about his death that for some reason, him and our Pops would become friends and look out for each other. After seeing how similar their age, birthday, and time of death was, I feel that they are there, acting as guardian Angels for their families.
I will pray for you and send my love through my prayers. I know that both my Pops and your Papa are wrapped in the glorious and loving arms of our Father and are at eternal peace. Love you all, even if we have not met.
Valerie Nasif Simpson
January 11, 2016 at 12:26 pmI didn’t know Gary, but knew he was a huge presence in all of your lives. My heart goes out to you all, may God rest his soul.