Silas Cochran

Elmwood – Silas A. “Si” Cochran, 93, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 3:27 p.m. on Friday, June 26, 2015, surrounded by his family at his home.
He was born May 1, 1922, in Parma, MO to Oscar R. and Clara Belle (Hon) Cochran.  He married Lorene Anderson on June 27, 1942, in Malden, MO.  She preceded him in death on April 18, 2013.
He is survived by six children, Becky (Chuck) Heaton of Peoria, Barb (Mike) Lubitz of Peoria, Fran (Jim) Ferry of Maquon, Larry Cochran of Ashville, NC, Sheryl (George) Snider of Tucson, AZ, and Ron (Candy) Cochran of Elmwood; one sister, Catherine Shelby of West Frankfort, IL; twelve grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Carl and Paul Cochran; and three sisters, Mary Crafton, Lena Crafton, and Ruby Cochran.
Si was a veteran of the United States Army, serving his country in the China Burma India Theater during World War II.  He worked on the Special Attachment Floor as a Line Inspector for Caterpillar, retiring in 1982.  He lived to work, and spent his retirement working various jobs, but his true passion was farming and tending to his garden.  He enjoyed sharing his produce with his family and neighbors.
Si was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan his entire life.  He truly lived a life of love, and was a great example to his children and grandchildren.  He never met a stranger and left a lasting impression with all he met.  Si was a member of the Elmwood VFW; a member of Bethel Bible Church in Edwards for over 50 years; and most recently attended Hilltop Fellowship Church on Farmington Road.  A true believer, follower, and disciple of Jesus Christ; in Si’s own words, “Glory be to God!”
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, July 3, 2015 at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood, where visitation will be held one hour prior to services.  Burial, with military honors, will be at Elmwood Township Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Peoria Rescue Mission or to OSF Hospice.
To view Si’s tribute video, or to leave online condolences, please visit www.oakshinesfuneralhome.com