Billie D. Cochran, 90, of Norton, KS passed away February 5, 2024 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born June 9, 1933 in Smith Center, KS to Caleb Leroy and Nora Matilda (Carter) Cochran.
Billie grew up in Smith Center, KS where he met his lifetime companion, Frances Jones. He graduated from Smith Center High School in 1951. Billie and Frances married on August 30, 1953.
Billie joined the United States Navy in 1951 serving 19 years active duty and 10 years with the reserves. He served 7 years overseas, with deployment during the Korean War on the USS Chevalier receiving promotions up to SK1 and was transferred to the USS Ranger in 1957. After requesting stateside, onshore duty, Billie was transferred to the Nuclear Weapons School, Sandia Base, in Albuquerque, NM and was later deployed to the East Coast and the Dominican Republic. He transferred to the instructor’s school in Newport, Rhode Island and then the NROTC unit at the University of Notre Dame where he became the Assistant Instructor of Naval Science and served as Supply Chief for four years. Billie retired after completing his final assignment to the USS San Diego.
Billie’s search for a new career led him and his family to Norton, KS. He later began a career as a mail carrier until he retired at the age of 62. Billie was an active member of the First Church of God, the Odd Fellows, Lions Club, and Harmonson-Redd American Legion Post 63. Billie was truly honored to be a selected Odd Fellows member for a Wreath Laying Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a Kansas Honor Flight recipient. Billie was a life-long avid fan of Smith Center Football. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking but most of the time he could be found enjoying a cup of coffee with his friends at Town and Country. Billie loved his family and cared for them deeply and loved to help people in need, many would say he was “generous to a fault”.
Billie is survived by his children: Joyce Romero of Washington State, Mari (Pangie) Martinez of Dodge City, KS; 12 grandchildren, many great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 63 years, Frances; daughter, Connie Dale; son, William “Butch” Cochran; granddaughter, Emily Streit; brothers: Keith, Caleb and Dick Cochran; sisters: Gladys Pletcher, Dorothy Chase and Jean Bruno.
Funeral services will be held 10:30 am Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the First Church of God, Norton, KS. Burial with military honors will follow in the Norton Cemetery. Visitation 5-7:00 pm Friday, February 16, 2024 at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas Honor Flight and sent in care of Plumer-Gobber Funeral Home, 215 W. Main St., Norton, KS 67654. Condolences may be left at www.plumergobber.com