John Cochran

John E. Cochran, 91, of Bluffton passed away Thursday, July 29, 2021, at his residence following an extended illness. He was born November 4, 1929, in Bluffton to Edson and Alta (Clause) Cochran. He was married December 31, 1952, in Swayzee to Wilda B. Rockwell.
He was a 1948 graduate of Petroleum High School, where he was a talented basketball player. He received a full scholarship to Tulane University but was unable to attend due to the sudden passing of his father which required him to be the man of the house. He was drafted into the Army Company D of the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment during the Korean War. He was a charter member of Sonlight Wesleyan Church, and he founded Adams and Wells County Gideons International – Wells County Camp, and he was a faithful servant for over 52 years. He was the owner of the Garden Gate in Bluffton, and he sold insurance for Farm Bureau Insurance Agency in Bluffton for 25 years, retiring in 1992. He was both a volunteer hospital and prison chaplain and traveled the world as a missionary.
He is survived by his son, Stephen (Diane) Cochran of Decatur; three daughters, Cindy (Dale) Adler of Decatur; Brenda (Jon) Hoard of Auburn; and Julie Cochran of Bluffton; 10 grandchildren, Jerod (Michelle) Adler; Phillip Cochran; Keith (Keryn) Cochran; Rebecca Cochran; and Michelle (Curtis) Graber, all of Decatur; Dr. Heather Adler (Travis) Clark of Thornton, Colorado; Landon (Joy) Adler of Jacksonville, Florida; Bethany (Gabriel) Girard of Kokomo; and Harrison Hoard and Hailey Hoard, both of Auburn; 12 great-grandchildren, Isaiah Clark; Abigail Clark; Johnathon Clark; Samuel Owen Clark; Mathew Girard; Lydia Girard; Moriah Girard; Elliott and Cora Adler; Olivia Lumpkin-Cochran; and Wade and Whitney Hayes; and brother, Charles “Chad” (Donna) Cochran of Bluffton.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife on December 6, 2016; and three sisters, Virginia Schaadt; Beatrice Stauffer; and Mary Cochran.
Visitation will be Tuesday, August 3 from 2-8 p.m. at Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel, 3220 E. S.R. 124, Bluffton and one hour prior to the 10 a.m. funeral service Wednesday, August 4 at Sonlight Wesleyan Church, 2350 S. S.R. 1, Bluffton. Burial will be at Stahl Cemetery in Reiffsburg.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by the American Legion Post 111 and the United States Army.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, Wells County Camp and Sonlight Wesleyan Church.
Arrangements provided by Goodwin-Cale & Harnish Memorial Chapel in Bluffton. Online condolences may be made at www.goodwincaleharnish.com.