Thomas Cochran

Thomas Howard Cochran, age 77, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully on December 16th, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of humor, faith, and a streak of orneriness that kept life interesting for everyone lucky enough to know him.

Born in 1947 to Norm and Betty Cochran in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Tom came into this world as an only child—a fact he never let anyone forget. Without siblings to compete with, he perfected his mischievous charm early on, which served him well throughout his life.

A proud graduate of Edison High School (Class of 1965), Tom went on to serve his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968, earning not one but two Bronze Stars that reflected his courage and deep sense of duty.

After his service, he earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota in 1974. That same year, he began his career at John Deere, where he worked as a sales manager until 1986. He loved his job, not just because of the tractors but because he got to do what he did best: talk. He could talk anyone’s ear off and still leave them smiling.

At the tender age of 9, Tom made a decision that shaped his entire life—he was saved and later served as an altar boy at a Catholic church in Minneapolis. It was this deep faith that guided him through life and ultimately led him to his best friend and love of his life, Sue. The two were married on August 31,1991 at St. Lucas Church in Minnesota, where Sue was also saved. Together, they built a life centered on love, faith, and service to others.

Tom was a family man through and through, stepping seamlessly into the role of “bonus dad” to Sue’s daughters, Jessica and Crystal. The couple moved to Missouri and settled in Halltown from 1995 to 2007, where Tom pastored Paris Springs and Onward Church for two years before leading Lawrenceburg Church from 1996 to 2006.

Tom and Sue made a dynamic duo—Sue with her heart for preschoolers and Tom as her loyal and frequently goofy helper. Whether it was Sunday school, preschool classes, or church events, Tom brought his humor and kindness, as he was just a big kid himself and loved to clown around. They were active members of Crossway Baptist Church over the last ten years where they made wonderful and lasting friendships.

After retiring from full-time ministry, he wasn’t ready to slow down and frankly never did. He worked as an ISS teacher at a school in Aurora, where he kept students in line with a mix of tough love and good-natured humor. When he retired from there at 62 he continued his part-time job at Fisk Limo, where he had been employed since about 1998. The family lovingly referred to him as “Driver George,” a nickname that made him grin every time he heard it. In true “Driver George” fashion, he was especially proud of the fact that he never received a ticket in his life.

A lifelong sports fan, Tom’s teams were the Green Bay Packers and the St. Louis Cardinals. He absolutely loved having the Springfield Cardinals right in his backyard, attending games with excitement and pride. He never missed a chance to sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame during the seventh-inning stretch, belting it out as the loudest, most off-tune singer in the ballpark. One of the most powerful moments of his life came this past year when he was recognized as a veteran at the stadium. As the crowd stood and clapped for him, Tom’s heart was full, and for once, the jokester was left a little speechless. It was a moment that made him feel deeply appreciated and special, and it was one of his proudest memories.

Tom is survived by his wife & best friend, Sue; his bonus daughters Jessica Shorney (husband Ryan) and Crystal Jones (husband Wes); and six grandchildren, Paige, Jacob, Connor, Logan, Liam, and Leyden, who knew him as Papa Tom, their biggest fan and greatest source of laughter and love.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Norm and Betty Cochran, who undoubtedly greeted him in Heaven with open arms.

Tom was so many things: a man of faith, a proud veteran, a loving husband, a dad, a grandfather, a pastor, a teacher, a fisherman and the loudest off-tune singer at the ballpark. Above all, he was a man who loved deeply, took care of his family always, and brought joy to everyone he met.

In honor of Tom, cheer for the Packers or Cardinals, hug your loved ones a little tighter, fish with a loved one and maybe even sing Take Me Out to the Ballgame—loud and off-key, just like he would have wanted.

A Visitation will be hald from 11:00am until Noon on Friday, January 3, 2025 at Crossway Baptist Church in Springfield. A Memorial Service will begin at Noon with Reverend Tom Maples officiating, where we will celebrate the life of a man whose faith and humor made the world brighter and whose love made it warmer. A Graveside Service with Full Military Honors will follow on Friday at 2:00pm in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made in Tom's honor to Sammy's Window/Foster Adopt Connect at https://www.fosteradopt.org/fac-donations/

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.