Ronald James Cochran

Ronald James Cochran, 80, of Punxsutawney, passed away at home, surrounded by his family on Saturday, January 11, 2025.

He was born at home in Markton on October 2, 1944, a son of the late Charles Gleason Cochran and Rosalin “Ruth” (Kerr) Lantz.

Mr. Cochran answered the call to serve his country during the Vietnam War, where he bravely faced the challenges of combat and was exposed to Agent Orange.  Though this exposure led to a long battle with Parkinson’s disease in his later years, he faced this challenge with the same determination and strength that marked every aspect of his life.

On July 18, 1970, he married Annette L. Martino.  They enjoyed fifty-four years of marriage together and raised a loving family.

Ron found his professional calling as a machinist at Star Iron for forty-five years.  He enjoyed his work and made many friends over the years.

Away from work, he immersed himself in the simple joys of life: gardening, fishing, and hunting.  A devoted collector, he had a fondness for Hot Wheels, finding a treasured car brought him joy and he amassed quite a collection over the years.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three children, Christiane Efird of Punxsutawney, Ronald J. Cochran II and Rachel Argot, and Nathan Charles (Danielle) Cochran of Porter; six grandchildren, Tyler and Madison Efird, Gibson and Aaden Cochran, and Cole and Taylor Huber; one great grandchild, Sebastian Efird; former daughter in-law, Kelly Jo (Jamie) Salsgiver; son in-law, Billy Efird;one brother, John (Marilyn) Lantz; three sisters, Joyce (Todd) Anderson of Reynoldsville, Susan Fleming of Punxsutawney, and Doris Ansinger; sister in-law, Dottie Lantz; numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death his parents, three brothers, Andrew Cochran, Roy Cochran and Paul Lantz; one sister, Ruth Rhoades.

Friends will be received from 2-6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.  A funeral service will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. Wednesday, officiated by Pastor Doug Wolfe.

Military honors will be accorded at the funeral home by Jefferson County Honor Guard.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Ron’s memory to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

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