Jerry Clay Cochran

Jerry Clay Cochran, age 87, passed away on August 22, 2017. He was born on August 6, 1930 at home in Abilene, Texas. He was the third of five children. He had three brothers and a sister. His mother died, when he was five, while giving birth to his youngest brother. After his mother's passing, he spent time living with his father and other family members. Ultimately, he came to live with long-time family friend, David Pardue. David loved him, brought him up and put him through college.

He joined the US Navy in 1947 and became a Hospital Corpsman. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1950, he attended college and graduated from Abilene Christian College in 1954 with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in History. Upon graduation, he became a school teacher. He taught school for 11 years before making a career change becoming a corrosion engineer, which he continued until he retired.

He was a member of NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) for many years. Highly regarded in his field, he has two published papers in The Library of Congress regarding corrosion engineering. He was a lifelong Student and Teacher of the Bible.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sarah Janell Reynolds Cochran; mother, Margery Aileen Clay Cochran; father, Newell Travis Cochran, Sr.; foster father, David Pardue; sister, Margie Carruth; and brothers, N.T. “Red” Cochran, Jr., J.H. “Bill” Cochran & Kerry Cochran. He is survived by his children: Joy Burwell & husband Paul, of Dayton, Texas; Jill Holley-Smith & husband, Rob, of Denison, Texas; and Jan Kooi & husband, Michael, of New Caney, Texas; grandchildren: Amy Wallace, Trixi Carr, Lauren Kerley, Misty Holley, Joshua Holley, Ariel Holley and Brooke Holland; great grandchildren: Kathryn, Grace and Jonathan Wallace, Elise, Alex, Chloe, Emily, Caleb and Sarah Kerley, Brianna and Jasmine Carr, Olivia, Vaughn, Maverick, Wesley and Stetson Holley and Camden Wyeth; and nieces, nephews and many friends.

Friends are invited to visit with the family beginning at 12 Noon on Friday, September 1, 2017 at Eickenhorst Funeral Services, where a 1 pm funeral service will be held. Serving as pallbearers will be John Carr, Kerry Carruth, Joshua Holley, Ron Holley, Alexander Kerley, Rob Smith, Jonathan Wallace and Stephen Wallace. Honorary pallbearers will be Maverick, Wesley and Stetson Holley, Caleb Kerley and Camden Wyeth. Graveside services and interment will follow in Garden Park Cemetery in Conroe, Texas.