Norman LeRoy Cochran

Norman LeRoy Cochran passed away June 29, 2016, surrounded by family. A celebration of his life will be Saturday, July 2nd, at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church at 9300 Nall Avenue in Overland Park at 12:30pm. A reception will follow. Burial is at 3:00pm at Mt. Moriah Cemetery at 10507 Holmes. Norman was born March 30, 1922 in Milo, Missouri to the late William Ernest Cochran and Pearl Mae (Kuhlman) Cochran.

Norman graduated from Nevada Missouri High School. He was a student at the University of Kansas and while in the ROTC there, was called into service. Soon after, he joined the Army Air Corp, where he received his commission in September 1946, as a lieutenant with dual wings as a bombardier/navigator. He returned to Kansas, graduated in February 1947, and attained his pilot license during his last year at KU.

He married Shirley Alice Darling, daughter of Glenn and Sylvia Darling September 10, 1944 and enjoyed 72 wonderful years of marriage together. He is survived by Shirley and their three sons: Stephen Glenn (wife Rose), Philip Alan (wife Helen), Kent James; grandchildren Kelli Fitzpatrick (Terence), Matthew Cochran, Carey Kirk (Trent), Kristi Cochran, Alexandra Cochran, Selena Cochran, Nicole Cochran; great grandchildren Jack, Libby, Ellis Fitzpatrick. He was preceded in death by his brothers Leland G. and William B. Cochran

Norman and Shirley are charter members of the Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, where he served as an Elder and member of the finance committee for several years.

Norman was a CPA and an audit manager with Arthur Young and Company. He was a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Missouri Society of CPA’s and the Financial Institute of America. He was a past president of the National Association Accountants of Kansas City. He was Controller for Byrd and Fletcher Company and executive Vice President of Vita Craft Corp.

He joined the H.D. Lee Company in 1966 and served as Controller, Treasurer, and Secretary of the board. The Lee Company merged with VF Corp and he and Shirley moved to Wyomissing, PA in 1977 with VFC. In 1979, VFC moved them to Maidenhead, England to head the financial operations for Europe as Financial Director and Vice President of VFC International Division. They traveled extensively while there. He returned to Wyomissing, PA, and was elected Vice President of VFC. He retired in 1988, but continued to stay very active professionally, as he served on several committees and consulted for the National Manufacturer Association and many civic organizations. While in Wyomissing, PA, he was a director and then President of the Berks County Chamber of Commerce and served on committees for American Heart Association, United Way, Reading Library, Boy Scouts, Chairman of Capital Campaign Review Board and YMCA Trustee. He was a trustee of Albright College and served in the Finance and Pro Party Committee.

In 1992, Norman and Shirley moved back to Leawood, Kansas. He is a life member of University of Kansas Chancellors and KU’s School of Business Deans Club. He was a member on two mutual funds boards and chairman of the audit committee of Gold Bank’s mutual funds. Norman was an avid golfer and loved his time spent on the course. He was a charter member of Leawood South Country Club and served as president and board member of the Kansas City Seniors Golf Association.

Norman was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He worked very hard during his career and was an extremely generous man. His love for life and family, especially his dear Shirley, was evident to everyone who met him. He was loved and respected by all.

Arrangements under the direction of Mt Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.