BERNARD EUGENE COCHRAN

Bernard E. Cochran, 91, a resident of Spokane Valley, WA and former resident of Garfield, WA passed away on Jan. 7, 2019 at Hospice of Spokane Hospice House South.

Bernard was born on Sept. 20, 1927 at Colfax, WA to Joseph and Clara (Miller) Cochran.  He attended the Garfield Schools and graduated from the Garfield High School in 1945.

Bernie enlisted in the United States Army in January of 1951.  He was Honorably Discharged in December of 1953 as a Sergeant having served during the Korean War. 

He married Donna Steen on Oct. 8, 1955 at Garfield and the couple farmed south of Garfield.  Mrs. Cochran died in 1996.  Bernie retired from farming in 1992.

Bernie married Nancy Elder on December 3, 1997 at Las Vegas, Nevada and the couple made their home at Garfield, and wintered in Yuma, Arizona.  They moved to Spokane Valley, Washington in 2018.  Together Bernie and Nancy loved to travel with many trips to Alaska and Canada.  They enjoyed several cruises.

Bernie was very active in the community and was a member of the Shriner’s, Masonic Lodge, Lions Club, Cougar Club and the Garfield Gun Club.  Bernie enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening and sports.  He had an infectious smile and was always humble and kind.

Survivors include his wife of 21 years, Nancy Cochran, Spokane Valley, WA, one son, Craig Cochran (Chris), Garfield, WA, three daughters, Carol Ann Cochran, Spokane, WA, Barbara Cochran, Moscow, ID, Paula Ordway (Duane) Mead, WA, 4 step daughters, Jeanie Peterson, Spokane, WA, Janice Hinton (Dan) Cheney, WA, Cheryl Elder, Cheney, WA, Betsy Williams, Liberty Lake, WA.  Bernie is also survived by 13 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Joanne Nelson, and his first wife Donna.

A graveside memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. Garfield Cemetery with Masonic Services and with Military Honors.  A social hour will follow at the Garfield School Cafeteria at 810 N. Third Street in Garfield.  Everyone is welcome at the graveside and social hour.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are suggested to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children, PO Box 2472, Spokane, WA   99210-2472 or to the Whitman County Cemetery District No. 2, c/o Jim Storms, PO Box 235, Garfield, WA  99130.

Kramer Funeral Home, Palouse, WA is caring for the family.   On line condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com.

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