US Navy Beach Jumpers Association

Wilmer E. “Bill” Cochran, 84, of Zanesville, died at 4:05 p.m. Sunday, April 6, 2008 at the Cambridge Health & Rehabilitation Center. He was born January 17, 1924, in Dresden, a son of the late Wilmer E. “Chief” and Mary Louise Comer Cochran. He was a graduate of Newcomerstown High School, a World War II Navy Veteran, a Beach Jumper BJU6 from 1943-1945 and a Sonarman Second Class. He trained with Douglas Fairbanks Jr. at Amphibious Training Base on Ocracoke Island, North Carolina. He was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. Bill retired from Ohio Power Company in 1986 after 38 years of service. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Thomas C. Montgomery American Legion Post 431, Beach Jumpers Association and the Ohio Power Veterans Association, Scout Master Troop 25/425, OA Vigil Member Wapagoklos Lodge and earned the rank of Eagle Scout and was the recipient of the Scout Masters Key and the Silver Beaver Award.

Surviving are a son, Wilmer (Wendy) Cochran III of Cambridge; a twin brother, Robert “Bob” Cochran of Monroe, Ohio; many nieces and nephews and his dog, Sasha.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved Dorothy “Dottie” Thompkins Cochran, who died September 11, 1998; a brother, Russell Cochran; two sisters, Lillian Elizabeth “Sis” Cochran Norman and Mary Jane “Janie” Cochran and his loving canine companion for many years, Daisy.

Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Friday, April 11, 2008 at the Bolin-Dierkes Funeral Home, 1271 Blue Avenue, Zanesville. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 12, 2008 at the funeral home with Rick Wilson officiating. Burial with full military honors being conducted with the U.S. Navy in conjunction with the Thomas C. Montgomery American Legion Post 431 of Newcomerstown, Ohio, will be held at Zanesville Memorial Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Muskingum Valley Council Boy Scouts of America, 734 Moorehead Avenue, Zanesville, Ohio, 43701 or to the Ocracoke United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 278, Ocracoke, North Carolina, 27960-0278.