Larry B. Cochran

Larry B. Cochran, age 81, a longtime resident of Madison Heights, passed away on March 16, 2023. He was born on December 15, 1941 in Mounds, Illinois; son of Barney and Gladys (Fisher) Cochran. Larry grew up in Troy, Michigan, graduating from Troy High School class of 1959. After graduation, Larry enlisted in the Navy.

While serving his Country, Larry saw service in the Republic of Vietnam and served on the USS Delta (AR-9), a battle damage repair ship. He also served on the USS Long Beach CG(N)-9, a nuclear powered guided missile cruiser with his brother Jerry. Larry served 10 honorable years separating at the rank of Chief Petty Officer. After separation, Larry returned to Michigan and settled in Royal Oak where he attended Oakland Community College, earning his associate degree. Larry then went to work as a supervisor with GTE/Valenite. He retired in 1998 after 25 years with the company and settled in Madison Heights.

In retirement, Larry’s passion was working on steam engine trains. As a member of the Bluewater Chapter of the National Railroad Historical Society, an organization of steam train enthusiasts, Larry would travel around the state on these steam engines. In addition to being a railfan, Larry had a deep interest in history and reading mystery novels.

Larry is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Greg) Bishop; his grandchildren, Marissa (Benjamin) Hornbeck and Brendan Gannascoli, his brothers, Jerry (Linda) Cochran and Donald Cochran, and his sisters, Joanne Leslie, Mary Cochran, and Sherry (Jim) Prested. He is also loved by many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jack Cochran, and his sister-in-law Catherine Cochran.

He will be laid to rest at Great Lakes National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorial contributions to the Wounded Warrior Project , P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.