William Henry Cochran

William Henry Cochran passed away peacefully on December 30th, 2020, surrounded by his family. Bill was born in Bonner Springs, Kansas, on December 29, 1932, to Edward L. and Ruth H. Cochran. At the age of five, he moved with his parents, two brothers and two sisters to Grandview, Missouri, where he spent the rest of his childhood. He graduated from Grandview High School in 1950.

Bill married Ruth Eleanor Denny on July 12, 1952. Their son, Cole, was born on September 1, 1953 and they adopted their daughter, Sarah, on February 7, 1961, when she was less than two months old.

For a number of years Bill was a delivery driver in downtown Kansas City, making deliveries for Borden’s Dairy, Coca-Cola and Pepsi Cola. He loved Kansas City and knew every inch of it. The stories he told about the places he delivered to and the people he met were quite entertaining. Other jobs through the years included working at Leach Hulbert Lumber Company in Grandview and in construction as a backhoe operator for Action Plumbing in Grandview. Perhaps the job he enjoyed most, though, was one he started after retiring: He drove a school bus for the Lee’s Summit School District for 13 years. Most of his routes were for middle school students. It was a perfect job for him because he loved to get up early to be at the bus barn. He had a way of connecting to the kids, and they respected him for his good nature and easy-going attitude.

Bill had several hobbies and interests that he was passionate about. One was listening to Bluegrass music. Evenings were often spent listening to Roy Acuff, Bill Monroe, and Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs. He never grew tired of hearing the songs over and over. He also loved shooting clay pigeons and targets, something he was able to share over the years with his son, daughter, and four grandsons. He put out a yearly garden and especially enjoyed his tomato plants. Sometimes it was a good year and other times not, but he never gave up. Of course, the highlight of his leisure activities would be the time that he got to spend with his four grandsons.

Bill was a good, Christian man. His faith was of great importance to him. He was a deacon for many years at First Baptist Church in Grandview as well as Director of the Bus Ministry. Saturday mornings were spent canvassing to see which kids wanted to ride the bus to church the next morning and Sundays were spent picking them up and then delivering them back home after services were over. He was such a role model for many of the kids. Later in life, he joined Cornerstone Baptist Church in Raymore, Missouri.

In August of 2018, Bill suffered a debilitating stroke. Over the next two years he experienced several setbacks. He had always been so active up until this point, and it was extremely hard for him to have his life change so suddenly. Despite all this, he maintained his positive attitude and sense of humor. He stole the hearts of all the nurses and physical therapists who helped to take care of him during his therapy and rehab during that time.

Bill is survived by Ruth, his wife of 68 years; his son, William Coleman (and Beth); a daughter, Sarah Beth (and Scott Martin); four grandsons--Michael Cochran, Steven Cochran, Colby Martin and Skyler Martin; six great-grandchildren, one sister, Ruth Harms; and many nieces and nephews, all of whom know that Bill leaves a legacy of love.

Bill played many roles in his life. He was a brother, husband, dad, granddad, great granddad, uncle and friend. He touched the hearts in one way or another of all who met him. He was a good, loyal, honest, gentle soul who would do anything to help out those he knew, as well as those he didn’t. He was a genuine person and a compassionate man who loved his family. His sense of humor and wit always kept us guessing. His smile would brighten any room he walked into. His laughter and good nature made him a joy to be around. We love you; we will never forget you; we will forever miss you until we see you again in Heaven.