Alfred W Cochran

Alfred (Al) W. Cochran, 88, of Urbandale, Iowa passed away on July 17, 2024 from Myelodysplastic syndrome. He was born on January 21, 1936, in Barrington, Illinois to Harvey and Marie (Metlin) Cochran and was raised alongside six loving siblings - Harvey, Jane, Del, Derry, Fred and Tyla.  Al graduated from Barrington High School in 1954 where he excelled at many sports and was a star running back on the football team. He went on to play football and study Religion at Culver Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. It was in Canton that he met his future wife Mary Belle (Martin) Cochran.

Al traveled the world for many years as a consultant. Later in life, he enjoyed his time at the Urbandale Hy-Vee, where he worked for nearly 20 years. He was loved by his co-workers and customers alike. Al enjoyed coaching his children in sports, attending the school and extracurricular activities of his children and grandchildren, as well as cheering on the Iowa Hawkeyes, Chicago Bears and Chicago Cubs. He loved watching Western movies, particularly those staring John "the Duke" Wayne, reading books, fishing, hunting, and telling stories (sometimes alongside a nice glass of Scotch). Al had a fierce grip, a kind heart, and was an amazing father.

Al is survived by his six children, Marc (Janet) of Des Moines, IA, Melanie of Stamford, CT, Monte (Cheryl) of Urbandale, IA, Mitch (Chrissy) of Urbandale, IA, Matt of Urbandale, IA and Myles (Cynthia) of Bentonville, AR; as well as 15 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.

To honor Al, family members and friends are invited to participate in The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light The Night on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at DMACC - Ankeny Campus, 2006 S Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA 50023. A link to the Team Page where you can register to join the team and/or make a donation can be found here: Team Al Cochran

A celebration of Al's life will be held at a later date.