Elvis Eugene “Gene” Cochrane

Elvis Eugene “Gene” Cochrane, age 96, of Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and in the presence of his Lord and Savior. He was born on May 21, 1929, in Chattanooga, Oklahoma, to James M. Cochrane and Ida Mae Cochrane.
Gene’s greatest love in life was his faith in God, closely followed by his deep and devoted love for his wife, Agnes “Aggie” Cochrane. The two were united in marriage on November 21, 1948, in Chattanooga, Oklahoma, and shared an incredible 77 years together, filled with faith, laughter, and unwavering commitment.
Gene found great joy in God’s creation and spent much of his life sharing the Gospel with everyone he met. He was a gifted musician who loved music deeply, especially old gospel hymns. He played numerous instruments, including various guitars and harmonicas, and often sang for those he loved. Among his favorite songs were “Let Me Call You Sweetheart” and “I Love You Honey,” which he would lovingly serenade to Aggie.
He enjoyed simple pleasures—tinkering with cars, playing dominoes (often joking that Aggie “cheated” when she won), and spending time with family and friends. Gene loved home-cooked meals and was never picky, always saying he would eat whatever was put before him. He was known for making potato soup, milk soup, and especially enjoyed pancakes with peanut butter and syrup, along with Aggie’s beloved enchiladas.
Gene attended Chattanooga schools through the ninth grade before leaving to work full-time on the family farm. He later became a skilled home builder, beginning his career in a cabinet shop where he quickly mastered the trade. He went on to own and operate his own custom home building business for over 20 years. During the summers, he also worked in custom wheat harvesting, traveling from Oklahoma to the Canadian border—something he fondly referred to as his “work vacation.”
A man of great faith, Gene began teaching Sunday school in his early twenties and became a deacon at the age of 24. He was instrumental in helping start a church in Lawton and contributed to many others throughout his life. He faithfully served in numerous Bible study groups, most recently attending a men’s Bible study in Oklahoma City.
Gene was known for his easygoing nature, patience, and kind, generous spirit. He had a gentle heart and a deep love for his family. He also had a playful side and was well-known for his pranks—no one, not even strangers, was safe from his good-natured mischief.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Agnes Cochrane of the home; his children, DeWayne Cochrane and wife Nancy Jo of Colorado, Carol Capps of Moore, Oklahoma, Darren Cochrane and wife Karen of Lawton, Oklahoma; and daughter-in-law Kerry Cochrane of Lawton, Oklahoma.
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Wendy (Brian), Shawn (Jel), Chris (Jenn), Brooke (Tommy), Tashina (Stuart), Ben, Michelle, Kimberly (Brandon), Tiffany (Brandon), and Angela (Matthew); 33 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
He is further survived by his brother, Ronnie Cochrane.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, James M. Cochrane and Ida Mae Cochrane; his son, Timothy Cochrane and first wife, Patty Cochrane; his grandson, Christopher; and his siblings, Mildred, James, and Leona.
Gene’s life was a testament to faith, love, hard work, and joy. He leaves behind a legacy of devotion to God, deep love for his family, and countless cherished memories.