Jasper Franklin Cochran

Jasper Franklin Cochran, 103, of Poplar Bluff, Mo., passed away Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015 at The Cedargate Care Center in Poplar Bluff.

Mr. Cochran was born Oct. 29, 1911 in the Lone Hill community of Butler County, to the late Andrew Lee and Sara Rosetta Webb Cochran. He was a member of Black Creek Baptist Church; and was a retired carpenter. Mr. Cochran proudly served his country during World War II while in the U.S. Army. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest WW II veteran in Butler County. Having his own wood shop, he repaired antique furniture and made different items of wood as well as furniture for his family. He enjoyed gardening, horses and music and had the unique ability to play any instrument he came across.

On Dec. 25, 1932, he married Maude Smith in Butler County. She preceded him in death in 2005.

Other survivors include three children: Jim Lee Cochran (Jean), and Joan Hillis (Charles), of Poplar Bluff and William Jasper Cochran, of St. Charles, Mo.; eleven grandchildren: Mike Cochran (Tracy), Mark Cochran (Jan), Wesley Gilmore (Lisa), Lee Ann Gilmore, David Gilmore (Jamie), Susan Sorrell, Chuck Hillis, Pam Hillis, Laura Harley (Bob), Susan Guignard (Gregg) and Bill Cochran (Melinda); and 17 great-grandchildren: and six great-great-grandchildren.

A sister and four brothers also preceded Mr. Cochran in death.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff, with the funeral service following at 11 a.m. Mr. Cochran's grandson, Mike Cochran will officiate. Burial with full military honors will be at Cochran Cemetery in Butler County.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfunerlservice.com.