Ronald M. Cochran 1920 - 1959

COCHRAN, SADLER, MEHRENS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 10/19/2021 at 00:11:56

Ronald M. Cochran, pastor of the Griswold Church of Christ, died Friday morning, February 6, 1959, from injuries suffered in a sled coasting accident. Rev. Cochran, his son and daughter were all three aboard one sled going down a hill in the field. When near the bottom of the hill the sled and occupants went over into a ditch. All were pitched off the sled and the pastor was badly hurt. Neither of the children were injured to any consequence. Rev. Cochran had suffered a ruptured liver and had lost considerable blood. Following an operation and throughout Thursday and Friday morning many blood transfusions were administered in an effort to save the minister's life, however, these efforts proved to no avail and Rev. Cochran passed away late Friday forenoon.

Ronald M. Cochran, the son of Milton and Myrtle Alice Sadler Cochran, was born on a farm near Rock Branch, Iowa, August 2, 1920, and had attained the age of 38 years, 6 months and 4 days. The family moved to Canada for about three years and returned to the vicinity of Correctionville. He graduated from Correctionville High School in 1938, entering Cincinnati Bible Seminary the next fall, graduating in 1946.

He was married to Opal Mehrens on August 19, 1941. To this union were born five children: Karan 16, Ronnie 14, Donna 12, Alice 9, and John 2.

As a student he ministered to congregations at Anthon, Iowa, McKendree Chapel, Ohio, and Decatur, Indiana. He served as a resident minister in Mapleton, Iowa, Blair, Nebraska, and Whiting, Iowa, before going to Griswold ten years ago.

He is survived by his wife and children, his father of Correctionville, and a brother, Lyle, of Manhattan Beach, California.

He was preceded in death by his mother in October 1942.

Funeral services were held Sunday at 2:30 p.m. from the Griswold Church of Christ with Mayo Procter of the Lewis Church of Christ officiating, assisted by Clarence Potter, pastor of the Church of Christ at New Market. Burial services were held February 9 at Fairfield Cemetery, Rock Branch, Iowa.