Richard E. Cochran

Richard Cochran, 89, of Elkhart, IN, passed away on Monday, February 9, 2026, at home.

Richard was born on September 21, 1936, in Elkhart to the late Edmond Swain and Winifred Garrity-Swain. Richard grew up under the love of George and Thelma Cochran.  He graduated from Elkhart High School in 1955, continued his education at Notre Dame and then went into the Marine Corps.  He served for three years at Camp Pendleton and was honored to be a Sergeant under the First Marine Division.  He was a lifetime member of the Marine Corps League.  After being discharged from the military, he returned home and continued his education at Indiana University at South Bend.

Richard was married to Marcy Roe in Goshen on August 1, 1969.  They were married for 51 years.  She was his sweetie.

Richard grew up working at the old YWCA in Elkhart and later worked at Excel Industries, Inc. and Chardon Rubber in his adulthood.  As a child, he had fond memories of carrying a saltshaker around in case his Italian friends offered fresh tomatoes from their gardens.  He enjoyed golfing, reminiscing with his friends at Michael’s Italian Restaurant and breakfast at Callahan’s.  He enjoyed a good charcuterie board and a generous splash of Irish cream in his coffee.

He is survived by his daughter, Jill Reese and son-in-law, Mark Reese of Niles and granddaughters Kristina Reese of Galesburg, Elizabeth Reese of Niles and Barbara (Jose) Velez of Niles.  Also surviving is his son, Michael Bussert and daughter-in-law Debbie Kraft-Bussert of Georgia and grandchildren Erin Bussert, Jonathan Bussert and Courtney Toth, Katie (Brian) Baron and Matthew Robison and his siblings Mary Alice Bennett, Diane Lawhead, Gerry Kavanaugh, Wanda Lawhead, Joan Glossier, Neal Kavanaugh, Tom Kavanaugh and John Brady.

Richard is preceded in death by his wife, Marcy Cochran, daughter Kelly Robison, siblings Michael Kavanaugh, Rose Swain and Larry Kavanaugh, his biological parents, Edmond Swain and Wynnie Garrity-Swain and his adoptive parents, George and Thelma Cochran.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 11 am until 12 noon at Hartzler-Gutermuth-Inman Funeral Home where memorial services will begin at 12 pm.  Private graveside services with military honors will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Center for Hospice Care 501 Comfort Place Mishawaka, IN 46545.

Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” John 14:6

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard E. Cochran, please visit our floral store.