FRED D. COCHRAN

Fred D. Cochran, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, age 87 of Raytown, MO, passed away September 24, 2015. The funeral service will be 11 AM September 28, at Blue River Bible Church in K.C., MO with visitation 10-11 AM. Burial will be in the Belton Cemetery. The family suggests donations to City Union Mission of Kansas City, MO.

He was deeply loved by family and friends. Fred would have defined himself in terms of how hard a worker and good provider he was, but those who knew him would describe him as a man of infinite patience and deep compassion. He was a man who could be trusted unconditionally and relied on. He was considerate and thoughtful. He valued others over himself and wherever Fred was, there was laughter. His joy of life was infectious.

Mr. Cochran was born Dec 28, 1927 at Bush City, Kansas to Edward L. and Ruth H. Cochran. He received an electrical engineering degree from the University of Missouri at Rolla, Mo. and did some post graduate work at other colleges. Mr. Cochran worked for L. E. Myers electrical contractors when he graduated from UMR, and then worked for 38 years for Kansas City Power and Light, holding numerous positions, including Director of Transmission and Distribution Services. During his career at K.C.P.L. Mr. Cochran served as President of the Engineer's Toastmasters Club, Chairman of the Metropolitan K.C. IAEI, and Vice President of the Mo-Kan IAEI. He also served on the Standards Executive Board of the Edison Electric Institute and on the Board of Directors of the Kansas One-Call System. He was a motivating person in the formation of the Missouri One Call System, and served as its chief operating officer for five years. While living at Paola, Kansas, he was a member of the Lion's Club. Mr. Cochran also conducted seminars across the state for the Engineering Dept. of the University of MO and taught classes for the Agriculture Dept. of the University of Missouri. Following his retirement from KCPL, Mr. Cochran worked as Assistant to the President of SM&P Company and served on its Board of Directors. Mr. Cochran was a U.S. Navy veteran of WW II and a member of the American Legion. He was a member of the KCPL Quarter Century Club and the Christian Seniors Association.

Very active in several Southern Baptist churches, Mr. Cochran gave his heart to Christ at the age of 11 and served in a variety of positions, including Deacon, S. S. Supt., Treasurer, Trustee, etc. He was a charter member of Red Bridge Baptist Church in Kansas City and also helped start Pearl Street Baptist Church in Paola and New Life Baptist Church in Peculiar. He was a deacon at Blue River Bible Church of Kansas City, MO, and served as Ambassador for City Union Mission. He served as Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 279 of Grandview, Mo. and was a member of the Mic-O Say scouting organization.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Philip Cochran; sister, Jean Wolf; and son-in-law, Tom Warford. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Esther Cochran of the home; children, Lynne Warford of Kansas City, MO; Jan and Eric Goldsmith of Willard, MO; Grant and Monica Cochran of Bolivar, MO; grandchildren, Glenn (and wife Shannon) and Brianna Warford, Adam and Aaron (and wife Anne) Goldsmith, Darcy, Douglas and Rayna Cochran; great-granddaughter, Avery Rose Warford; brother, William H. Cochran of Raymore, MO; sister, Ruth Harms of Grandview, MO; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Arrangements: Cullen Funeral Home, Raymore, MO (816)322-5278