Paul Curwood Cochran

In the evening hours of September 23, 2021 Paul made his final journey home. Born on December 8, 1929 to Omer Floyd and Sallie Mahala (Atwood) Cochran in Casey Co., Kentucky, Paul was one of two sons who spent most of his life on a small rural farm in Marion Co., Kentucky. He was married for more than 50-years to Dixie Jane Howell originally from Greenville, KY and together they had three children, Pamela, Paul and Steven.

Paul is celebrating in heaven with his parents, a brother Kenneth Duward Cochran, his wife, Dixie, and two sons, Paul Ransdale and Steven Douglas. Left behind to carry on his memory is his daughter Pamela R. Mitchell (John); daughter in law, Jeannean (Paul) Cochran; grandchildren Brandon Cochran, Kimberly Tarrance (Ezra), Katrina VandeMark (Trey), Jesse Cochran, Jennifer Tarrance (Matthew), and Samantha Cochran; and great granddaughters Madison Tarrance and Taylor Daniel. Along with immediate family, he leaves behind extended family members, and 5-generations of in-laws, nieces, and nephews scattered throughout Kentucky and Florida and one very sassy cat, Annie who adored him.

Paul had an amazing life. He was an Army veteran who served at the conclusion of World War II in Germany where he helped displaced widows and orphans readjust to post war life. During this time he traveled extensively throughout Europe and had tales to tell about all his experiences. He was very proud of his service to his country and a patriot through and through. In 2015, Paul had the opportunity to travel to Washington, DC on an Honor Flight for WWII veterans - it was a day to remember.
Following his service, Paul worked 25+ years at International Harvester where he began sweeping floors and through hard work and dedication, retired as a foundry inspector and supervisor. Following his retirement from IH, he started a small business renovating homes in old Louisville, working for many years side by side with his two sons, Paul and Steven. He and Dixie spent 20+ years developing their small business, Open Road - where they were infamous for selling collectible dolls and toys.

Paul had a style all his own and was never seen without his stylish handle-bar mustache, and more often than not, a cowboy hat and boots. He loved animals of all kinds - and rescued more pets than can be counted. His favorite song was the Blue Danube, he loved country music, often singing along, and was quite the dancer in his younger days. He was very involved with local politics, helping to run numerous local and state political campaigns. Two of the greatest highlights of his life included meeting both President Regan and President Bush in person.

Paul was a wonderful son, devoted and loving husband, amazing father and grandfather. He was an avid sportsman, outdoorsman, enjoying all kinds of hunting and fishing. Paul was an excellent cook and baker - and was famous for his pizzas, chocolate gravy and biscuits, fruit cakes and endless desserts. He loved antiques and collected a little bit of everything. He had an especially keen eye when it came to collecting valuable knives and his private collection was exceptional. He was a wonderful gardener and could grow anything - and passed along his love of gardening and cooking to all his children and grandchildren.

Paul spent the last years of his life with his neighbor and companion, Shirley Spero. They were rarely seen apart, and together they enjoyed occasionally traveling, dining out, going to musicals, plays, watching UofL basketball games and spending time with one another. The family expresses appreciation to Shirley for her devotion to Paul.

Paul leaves behind wonderful memories and a family who will continue to cherish him. For those of us who knew Paul, we will forever be better for having loved him and to have been a part of his life.

Paul's family would like you to join them as they celebrate his life on Saturday, October 9, 2021 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Newcomer Funeral Home, East Louisville Chapel (235 Juneau Drive). A memorial service will follow at 2:00 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory with a donation to a veteran's organization of your choice.

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