Eugene Cochran Sr.

Eugene Cochran Sr, 91, of Detroit Michigan, passed away on December 5, 2022, and was born on November 24, 1931, in Georgia.

Public Funeral Services are on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at 11 am, 10 am Family Hour located at Thompson Funeral Home, Dexter Chapel, on 7643 Dexter Ave, Detroit, MI 48206.



Eugene Cochran, Sr., was born on November 24, 1,931', to Zola White Cochran and Gene Cochran in the deep south around the town of Macon, Georgia. He came from a large family of [4 siblings that was full of love and support. He would tell stories about all of them Charlie, Marie, Osie, James, Sherman, Fernell, Rhoda, Shirley, Nathaniel, Calvin, Johnny, Ruth, and Dorthy. He loved them dearly and enjoyed spending time with them and sharing laughs and good times. All of his siblings have preceded him in death except for his sister Dorthy.

As with many families, Eugene found himself moving from the South and settling in the North. He lived and was educated in Hamtramck, Michigan and graduated from Hamtramck High School. Not too long after his graduation, he married Myrtle Moore
and together they had two sons, Dennis Cochran and Eugene "Bud" Cochran, Jr. His son Dennis Cochran preceded him in death due to a lengthy illness. He was then briefly married to Lelah Cochran.

Right around '974, Eugene found himself smitten by a young lady by the name of Marie "Carlene" Young. They enjoyed so many good times together and worked on similar projects together. They were inseparable. So, Eugene did the right thing and in 1996 they were married. They worked in they shared a common bond that most couples could only imagine. Her commitment to him, and his commitment to her was seen over the decades.

Eugene had many passions and many natural giftings. He was extremely industrious and always found things for his hands to do" There were very few things that he didn't master or try. One of the amazing talents was in electrical engineering, In I967, he
graduated from R.E.T.S Electronic School with a certification in Electronic Technology. He could wire anything!! He naturally understood wiring and passed that same skill to his son Eugene Jr. But he also advanced this talent in his work life. He was a foreman for Great Lakes Steel in Ecorse, Ml. He was a perfectionist and an innovator; he drew and designed machines and made significant improvements to existing equipment. He excelled so well that he became a supervisor at Great Lakes Steel, in fact he was the first African American to hold that distinction. ln lgg+ he retired after 32 years of distinguished service.

He also was an exceptional photographer and cinematographer! He was years ahead of his time and he could be compared to an earlier version of Tyler Perry. He had catalogs pictures, and no event went without him capturing the moment on film. He also loved to travel, and with a motor home and family and friends oh would he travel. He has traveled from California to Georgia and to so many places in between. He and Marie loved their time in Hawaii and Jamaica, and these moments he captured on film. He loved baseball and he was a superior checkers player. But nothing could compare to the love he had for his family; he was devoted and concerned about the welfare of those around him.

Eugene Cochran, Sr. slipped away peacefully at home on December 4,2022, at the ripe age of 91. He leaves to cherish his wife Marie "Carlene" Cochran, one son, Eugene Cochran, Jr., one step-son Rayford Taylor, one sister Dorthy Black, sister in-laws Helen
Murtis, Terrell Jean Brown, and Eva Robertson; brother-in laws Wayne Young and Andre Young; a host of nieces, nephews and friends.