Ronald K. Cochran, age 81 of Ogallala, former Grant resident, passed away Friday, September 2, 2016 at his home in Ogallala.

Ron was born June 3, 1935 at Hamlet, NE to Reuben and Wilma (Branum) Cochran. He graduated from Curtis high school with the class of 1954. A few months later he was united in marriage to Shirley Gibson on August 21, 1954 in McCook. Following their nuptials, Ron went on to serve in the US Army. Following his discharge he returned to McCook where he worked in route sales for 7-Up and Weavers potato chips. Ron later took a job with Stickney’s, which took him to Milford for a couple years before moving to manage the store in Ogallala. Ron would later work in route sales for Old Home Bakery, which took him to Scottsbluff, before returning to the Keith County area where he worked as a car salesman for various dealerships over the next several years.

Following the death of his wife Shirley, in 1980, Ron married Norma Jean Kramer in Grant. The couple resided in Grant, where Ron became an active and dedicated member of the United Methodist Church. Ron stayed active in the community, having worked at the Coop, mowed yards, cared for the cemetery and played integral roles in nearly every major fundraising campaign in town. He was a proud member of the Grant Lions Club and was a charter member of the Eagle’s Club in Imperial.

When Ron wasn’t busy with work and volunteering, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards and traveling. He was a devoted fan of the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos. He was also particularly devoted to his feline companion, “Baby.”

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley and his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Jean Cochran; children Sherry and Doug Dunham of Ogallala, Roger and Judy Cochran of Oberlin, KS, Rodney and Linda Cochran of Ogallala, Sheryl Warner of Pritchett, CO, Robert Cochran of Ogallala, Rondell and Karen Cochran of Brighton, CO; sister, Donna Doughtery of Belton, MO; brother, Lenard and Marcia Cochran of Tacoma, WA; 22 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Grant Lions Club in Ron’s memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Grant United Methodist church with Pastor Elmer Armijo officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.