Lloyd James Cochran was born at home in Oquawka, IL on October 18, 1932 to George and Anna Gertrude Cochran. He was the oldest of 7 children. He passed away on February 10, 2023 at the age of 90.
After graduating from Oquawka High School in 1950, Lloyd worked a variety of jobs. He was working at the ordnance plant when drafted to the Korean War. He spent 6 months learning radio repair before being shipped to Okinawa, Japan. After the war, he went back to the ordnance plant, then worked in Cedar Rapids where he ran a turret lathe.
He was working at Caterpillar in Peoria as an engineering draftsman in the experimental department, when he met his wife, Barbara. They were married July 17, 1960.
In 1966, they moved to Oquawka, where they raised their 4 girls. Lloyd worked for 25.5 years at J.I.Case in Burlington, IA as an industrial engineer. He enjoyed bowling with the Case league.
Lloyd participated in competitive sharp shooting at local matches where he won multiple awards. After an early retirement, Lloyd purchased a farm outside of Biggsville, IL where he enjoyed farming for 22 years.
The farm also provided enjoyment for Lloyd as he gardened, hunted and walked through the woods.Lloyd loved music and singing, opera, classical, country, and hymns.
He sang with the Ecumenical Singers of Monmouth. With this group, he went to DC in July 1998 where he sang at various locations: mass at St Matthews cathedral, near the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Navy memorial. While part of the Galesburg Community Chorus Trip to New York, he went to some operas at the Metropolitan Opera House.
He is survived by four daughters and spouses: Lori Hendrickson and Rob, Patricia Potts and David, Martha Shedd and Nate, and Celeste Kearney and Dan, 7 grandchildren, 8 great grandchildren, and one brother and spouse, Gary and Joan Cochran, He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Barbara, and siblings: Doris, Evelyn, Paul, Mary and Dale.
A funeral service will be held at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, IL at 11:00 am on Thursday February 16, 2023 followed by a committal service in the Oquawka cemetery. His family plans to receive friends from 9:30 am to 11:00 prior to the service at the funeral home. A meal will follow at Faith Bible Church (the old elementary school) in Oquawka. A memorial fund is being established for either Faith Bible Church or Great River Hospice House.
