Ralph M. Cochran

Ralph Miller Cochran, 84, of Merriam, Kansas passed away peacefully at his daughter’s home on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Ralph was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend.

Born on January 9, 1941, in Phoenix, Arizona, Ralph was the cherished son of James Eugene Cochran and Edith Annebelle (Crust) Cochran. In his youth, he was an active member of his local chapter of The Order of DeMolay where he served as Master Councilor and was awarded the prestigious Chevalier Degree. In 1959, he earned his diploma and graduated from Shawnee Mission North High School. Throughout his adult life, he was committed to serving his community and was a Mason and Past Master of Shawnee Lodge No. 54 A.F & A.M. He was also a member of the Northeast Kansas Scottish Rite Bodies, and was a Senior Past Monarch of Ankara Grotto, M.O.V.P.E.R. Ralph derived great joy from participating in charity events and parades, and he delighted in making children smile as a clown, making balloon animals at various gatherings. To provide for his family, he had a career as a dock worker and truck driver with Yellow Freight, with whom he eventually retired.

Ralph was a devoted husband, father, and all-around family man. He married the love of his life, Linda, at Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church, where he was also baptized at age 16. He was a man of faith and integrated his values in every aspect of his life. When family was in need, he opened his home with open arms. He loved taking family vacations and spending quality time with his loved ones. Whether it was going to the movies or staying home to play 10,000 dice, he always looked forward to making fond memories with his family. Following the passing of his beloved wife Linda, he found companionship in a dog he adopted, that he lovingly named Lucky.

He also had a love of Star Wars, a love which he passed down to his sons and eldest granddaughter. Ralph even became known for his “Jedi” license plate! An outdoorsman at heart, Ralph loved fishing for trout, panfish and enjoyed fishing at Kingston Lake for catfish. He also hunted waterfowl near Pleasanton, KS. His biggest trophies, however, came from hunting in Princeton, KS, where he shot his only deer and turkey with his grandson Miles. When Ralph wasn’t fishing or hunting, he could be found cheering in the stands of Miles’ bull riding competitions or visiting with his great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his wife Linda Cochran, parents James Cochran and Edith (Crust) Cochran, son Ralph Cochran, and brothers Ronnie and Don Cochran, as well as many other cherished family members and friends. He is survived by his daughter Lynna Cochran, son Bryan Cochran, grandchildren Briana Cochran, Saydee Helmstetter, Miles Cochran, and great-grandchildren James (JB) and Jessee.

Ralph will be remembered not only for his contributions to his community, but the joy he brought to countless lives and the love he shared with his family. May he rest in peace and live forever in our hearts.

Services will be held on Saturday, June 7th, 2025 at 1:00pm at The Amos Family Funeral Home & Crematory at 10901 Johnson Dr., Shawnee, Kansas 66203. Graveside service to follow at 3:00pm at Johnson County Funeral Chapel & Memorial Gardens at 11200 Metcalf Ave., Overland Park, Kansas 66210.

In lieu of flowers, one can make a donation to Grottoes International or Alzheimer's Association.