Obituary: Cochran, Joseph A.
Age 91
(1922 - 2013) Joseph A. Cochran, a long-time resident of Spokane passed away on Sunday, September 29, 2013.
Joe was a loving and caring father and grandfather.
Joe was born on January 12, 1922, in Walla Walla to a wheat ranching pioneer family.
Joe Graduated from high school at St. Vincent Academy in 1939.
Joe delayed going to college for a year while working on the ranch, so he could afford to pay for school.
Joe attended and excelled at Washington State College (nĂŠĂŠ Washington State University).
Joe was president of the freshman class, president of the Intrafraternity council, a member of the school’s lettermen club and president of his fraternity, Phi Sigma Kappa.
Joe’s education was interrupted by World War II.
Joe served as an Army officer in both the European and Asian theatres during World War II.
While transitioning from the European theatre of battle to the Asian theatre, he married Barbara Louise Fleischman on July 7, 1945.
His overseas tour of duty ended in 1946 when he returned to WSC to complete his education, which culminated in his obtaining a degree and certification as a CPA.
Joe and Barbara moved to Spokane in 1947 when Joe joined the prestigious accounting firm of LeMaster and Daniels.
Joe’s tenure with the accounting firm was interrupted by a call to arms for the Korean Conflict where he served two tours of duty as a Captain with the 1st Cavalry Division in Korea in 1951-52.
After returning to Spokane, Joe acted for years as an accounting instructor for WSU in Spokane, instructing many aspiring accountants.
Joe left public accounting in 1959 when he joined a college classmate, Neal Degerstrom, and his company N.A.
Degerstrom.
Joe acted as the chief financial officer of the company until his retirement at age 81.
He is survived by his four children: James and his wife Susan of Santa Rosa, CA, Thomas and his wife Barbara of Spokane, Joanne of San Diego, CA, and Michael and his wife Rebecca of Atlanta, GA. His survivors also include eight grandchildren, three brothers, Robert of Salem, Or, Donald of Seattle, WA, and Gerald of Roseville, CA, two sisters, Louise of Citrus Heights, CA, and Janet Ericksen of Atherton, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, and two sisters.
His life will be celebrated at a Catholic Mass to be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 5, 2013, at St. Augustine’s Church.
In lieu of flowers, anyone who is interested in making a memorial gift should be directed to either of the following organizations or an organization of their own choosing: WSU Alumni Association or 2nd Harvest Washington State University 1234 East Front Ave. Pullman, WA 99164-6150 Spokane, WA 99202-2148 509-534-6678 www.2-harvest.org To view Joe’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements entrusted to: