David Wayne Cochran , 76, of Columbia City, passed away at 5:35 a.m. Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at Stillwater Hospice Home in Fort Wayne.

Born on December 8, 1947, in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late Charles Devon Cochran and Lois Helen (Edie) Cochran.  The family moved to Columbia City when David was a young boy, and he graduated from Columbia City Joint High School in 1965.

On August 6, 1969, he entered the U.S. Navy, becoming a stock clerk.  He served in Vietnam, receiving his honorable discharge on June 1, 1971.

On September 1, 1968, he married Nancy E. Fredrick.  They have always made their home in Columbia City.

David began his career at Kroger's in the produce department.  Eventually, he worked his way to store manager at the Columbia City and Southgate, Fort Wayne stores and also filled in for other grocery store managers in the area.  He then became a food broker, working with various food retailers throughout the area.  In 2005, he started Cochran Distributing, delivering fresh doughnuts to grocery and convenience stores throughout the region.  He retired in 2019.

He was a member of the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene.

An avid softball player, he played with and helped organize area softball leagues.  He was a fan of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball, Dallas Cowboys football, and IU Basketball. Purchasing the car of his dreams, he loved to tour the area in his red Mustang.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Nancy; children Mike (Dena) Cochran of Columbia City and Anne (Stacy) Blair of South Whitley; grandchildren Madison (Tyler) Jackson and Cameron Cochran; a great-granddaughter, Mila Jackson and a sister Betty Cochran of Columbia City.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by brothers Gaylord and Dennis Cochran and a sister, Barbara Stansell.

Visitation will be from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesday (April 10th) at Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, with a funeral service at 4 p.m.  Burial will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday (April 11th) at the Marion National Cemetery, 1700 E 38th St, Marion, IN 46953.

Memorials in David's honor are to the Columbia City Church of the Nazarene or Stillwater Hospice Home of Fort Wayne.