Jackie E. Cochran

Jackie Eugene Cochran, 80, of Murphysboro, went to be with the Lord at 2:30 a.m. Monday, June 29, 2015, at his residence in Murphysboro. Jackie was born on June 22, 1935, in Murphysboro, to Kenneth Cochran and Wilma (Housewright) Cochran. Mr. Cochran was a life long member of the United Methodist Church in Murphysboro. He also donated his time unselfishly to many charitable organizations, including meals on wheels and making time to visit with nursing home residents. He was a member in good standing for 50 years with the Murphysboro Plumbers and Pipefitters Local # 160, where he had served as past president. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed golfing very much. He was very proud to have made several holes in one. Mr. Cochran had a love for his country and enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict in 1954 at the age of 18. He was a member of the V.F.W. Post # 7190 and the American Legion Post # 127. Jack married Marilyn "Sue" Norman on June 8, 1957, in Corinth, Mississippi. They were married for fifty eight years and she survives. Other survivors include a son Danny Jack Cochran and his wife Cyndi (Ruble) Cochran of Murphysboro, a daughter Kelly Kay (Cochran) Gilmore and her husband Jay Alan Gilmore of Bradenton, FL; four grandchildren Clayton Gilmore and his wife Kelly of FL, Seth Gilmore of Tampa, FL, Danyel Cochran and Cullen Cochran, both of Murphysboro; four great grandchildren Liam Gilmore, Brennen Gilmore, Cormac Gilmore, and T. J. Cochran Lewis; one sister Janice (Cochran) Webster and her husband Jack Webster of Peachtree City, GA; one niece Jayla Flesher and her husband Dan Flesher of Memphis, TN; one nephew John Webster and his wife Laurie Webster of Mashpee, Massachusetts; and one sister in law Norma Lee Robertson of Ventura, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, July 3, 2015, at the United Methodist Church in Murphysboro, with Rev. Larry Gilbert officiating. Burial will be at Mt. Joy Cemetery with military services conducted by the Paul Stout American Legion Post # 127. Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday at Pettett Funeral Home and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church. Memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church or to Hospice of Southern Illinois, Inc. For more information, please visit www.pettettfuneralhome.com. Our sincerest thank you to all our friends and family for the support each of you have given during this difficult time!

Jackie E. Cochran

June 22, 1935 - June 29, 2015