Ronald Dwight Cochran

Ronald Don Cochran, 66, of Aztec, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2011. He was born Aug. 27, 1945, in Graham County, Kan., to Arthur and Lois Cochran. He attended Trego County Schools in Wakeeney, Kan., and San Juan College in Farmington. At 17, he joined the U.S. Navy and served his country for 4 years during the Vietnam War. He was able to see various places around the world. In 1967, he met the love of his life and knew this was the woman he would marry and spend the rest of his life with. Four months later, he married Sandra Robinson of Aztec. Ron and Sandra spent the first years of their marriage living at Lindrith and Gobernador Camp. After a few years, they decided to move to Aztec where they resided to the day of Ron's death. Ron accepted our Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior in the winter of 1976. Since that time, he walked a close path with the Lord and touched many hearts along his way. In 1975, Ron and Sandy were blessed with their first child, Ronald Wayne Cochran. Eleven years later, in 1986, they were blessed with their second child, Kristina Renee Cochran-Tenski. Ron loved spending time with his family and he was a dedicated father. He loved to go hunting and fishing with his son and he loved helping his daughter work on her race car. He always looked forward to race day.
Ron also spent countless hours on the golf course with close friends and family, and he cherished every moment. Ron started his career with Williams on July 4, 1969, and was employed there for 42 years. During his employment, he became a supervisor and very close friend to many of his coworkers. He loved his job and was highly dedicated to the company and to the Williams way of life. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lynette Michelle Cochran; parents, Arthur and Lois Cochran; brothers, Leon Cochran, Jerold Cochran and Howard Cochran; and his sister, Verna Lee Lomis. He is survived by his wife, Sandy Cochran; son, Ronnie and his wife and children, Cindy, Breanna and Alexandria Cochran of Aztec; daughter, Kristi and Kristi and husband, Chad Tenski, of Farmington; sisters, Royalynn Erickson of Wakeeney, Kan., and Betty Jo Pennington of Farmington; and numerous nieces and nephews. Pastor Tim Hargrove will officiate. Pallbearers are Allen Cochran, Bill Cochran, Arlen Cochran, Jason Brown, Brian Wimbish, Sterg Katirgis, Keith Tucker and David Howell. Honorary pallbearers are Bill Maez, Billy Maez, Pat Slusser, Mike Brown and all Williams E&P employees. A special thank you is extended to Guardian Angel and all of their care providers, along with all the medical staff who have taken such wonderful care of our loving husband and father. Memorials in Ron's name may be made to San Juan Medical Foundation, Riley Industrial Mens Health Fund, P.O. Box 110, Farmington, NM 87499. Arrangements are with Cope Memorial Chapel of Aztec, 405 S. Main Ave., (505) 334-9332.