Eugene Culpepper Cochran's Obituary
Eugene Culpepper Cochran
July 14, 1923 - February 8, 2018
Boca Raton, FL.
Eugene “Gene” Cochran, 94, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, February 8, 2018, at Boswell Parker Health and Rehab in Greensboro, GA. Gene was born on July 14, 1923, in Moultrie, GA, and was the son of Grover Cleveland Cochran and Ethel Claire Ward.
Gene met the love of his life, Martha, in 1948 on the tennis courts at the University of Florida; that’s where their love story began. They married in 1952 and had 65 wonderful years together. They had four children – Donna, Sharon, Bob, and Marcia – and tennis became an important fabric of the Cochran family.
He was an avid motorcycle enthusiast, and one of his most notable trips was when he and Martha rode to Alaska and back in 1991; they traveled 15,000 miles in 62 days. They traveled by motorcycle to every state in the Union (except Hawaii) and all the provinces in Canada. Throughout all his travels, he adopted the CB radio handle “Mr. Clean” – a fitting nickname for a bald man.
Music was also an important part of Gene's life. He played the drums in college and after his retirement he played with friends in a band that would entertain senior citizens. He was a great dancer and he loved to dance to Glen Miller, Benny Goodman and other big band music groups.
Gene served three years in the Army’s 120th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Group in the South Pacific Theater of Operations. During his time in the service, he attained the rank of Master Sergeant. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his participation in the Battle of Bataan, which took place in the Philippines. This was in connection with the recapturing of the island of Corregidor.
In 1951, he completed his bachelor’s degree in business administration at the University of Florida. While attending the University of Florida, he enrolled in advanced ROTC courses and became an outstanding cadet in field artillery. During his senior year, he was appointed commander of the ROTC ground forces with the top student rank of Colonel.
In 1951, he was employed by Southern Bell Telephone Co. in Jacksonville, FL. Throughout his time with Southern Bell, he moved to a number of cities in Florida. In 1970, he transferred to the Boca Raton office to work as a manager. He worked for Southern Bell until he retired in 1981.
Gene was very active in his community, as he was a member of St. Gregory’s Episcopal Church and the Chapel of St. Andrew Episcopal Church where he served as Lay Reader and Chalice Bearer. He also served on the Vestries of several different Episcopal churches around the state of Florida.
Gene dedicated his life to God and family; he was known as the most loving husband, father, and grandfather.
He was preceded in death by his brother Ward Cochran of Kingsport, TN. He is survived by his wife Martha Hutcherson Cochran; four children: Donna Lynn Cochran McNaughton (Ron) of Johns Creek, GA; Sharon Cochran Gorman (Joe) of Greensboro, GA; Marcia Cochran Kulterman (Ron) of Austin, TX; and Robert Ward Cochran (Ruby) of Coppell, TX; seven grandchildren: Christopher Kulterman, Lindsay Kulterman, William Gorman, Russell Gorman, Julie Gorman Kramer, and Jennifer McNaughton,Lori McNaughton Matthews and five great grandchildren: Carli Kennedy, Kylie Kramer,Christopher Matthews,Jacob Matthews and Smith Gorman.
Funeral services will be Friday, February 23, 2018, at 11:00 A.M. at the Chapel of St. Andrew Episcopal Church (2707 NW 37th St., Boca Raton, FL. 33434). Following the memorial service, the military burial will take place at Palm Beach Memorial Park (3691 N Seacrest Blvd, Lantana, FL. 33462).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be mailed to the Altar Guild, Chapel of St. Andrew (3900 Jog Rd. Building 13, Boca Raton, FL. 33434).
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