Heroes among us

I'm sorry to report that my uncle passed away. John was my dad's older, and only, brother. He was 77; my dad would have turned 73 this Friday, September 26. John's obituary from the High Point Enterprise reads:

HIGH POINT - John Kenneth Cochran, Lt. Colonel, Retired, age 77, of High Point died September 22, 2008, in High Point Regional Hospital.

Mr. Cochran was born July 23, 1931, in St. Louis, Missouri to Frank M. and Jesse Hughes Cochran. As a United States Marine, he served his country for 20 years including three tours of duty during the Vietnam War. Mr. Cochran received many citations for his service including the Distinguished Flying Cross and Bronze Star medal. He also received a Purple Heart after being shot down by enemy fire over North Vietnam in 1972. He retired with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Cochran later had a long career with U. S. Furniture Industries.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia, of the home; two daughters: Kathleen Clayton and her husband Norris of Winston-Salem, and Marie Cochran of Durham; and a son, Kenneth Cochran and wife Paige of Jamestown. Mr. Cochran has four grandchildren of whom he was especially proud, Matthew and Patricia Clayton and Olivia and Margo Cochran.

A Memorial Service to celebrate Mr. Cochran's life will be held Friday at 12 Noon in Christ United Methodist Church in High Point with the Reverend Carol Carkin officiating. Visitation will be on Thursday from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the home of his son, Kenneth Cochran.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to a cause close to his heart: the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 1401-B Old Mill Circle, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Please share your condolences at www.mem.com. Sechrest Funeral Service in High Point is assisting the family of Mr. Cochran.

My Uncle John was proud to have served in the U.S. armed forces. He has always been my idea of a true hero.

I'm headed to North Carolina in a couple of hours to join in his memorial.