Florida
CPO Parvell D. “Gunner” Cochran USN (ret), 77, of Kissimmee, Florida, left on his final cruise Wednesday morning, Feb. 18, 2015, with his wife, Marilyn, grandson, Ethan, and daughter-in-law, Angie, saying their goodbyes as he sailed off in fair winds and following seas.
He was born on July 25, 1937, in Columbus, Indiana.
He served his nation from 1955 through 1974. He began his career in Newport, Rhode Island, and steamed the North Atlantic for 12 years before being stationed at Great Lakes Naval Training Center where he served as a Recruit Training Officer.
In 1969 he was deployed to Vietnam and served as Patrol Officer in River Division 513. He was awarded the Bronze Star with combat “V” for his meritorious service from August 1969 to June 1970. He was awarded an additional 10 medals, including the Good Conduct Medal, during his career. He returned to Vietnam in 1970 aboard the USS MacCaffrey DD-860 and retired in 1974 while stationed at Naval Station Mayport in Mayport, Florida.
He was a member of Game Wardens Association, Fleet Reserve Association and VFW Post 3227 in Saint Cloud, Florida, where he served as Commander in 1994. He was a member of American Legion Post 80 in Saint Cloud, serving as Service Officer in 2011, and was a member of American Legion Riders Chapter 80.
He was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Agnes Cochran, and his sister, Donna Cromlish.
He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Cochran; three children, Karen and (Bud) Adams, Alan and (Karen) Cochran and Robert and (Kathy) Cochran; three stepchildren, Kelly and (Peter) McCoubrey, Jerri-Mae and (Jim) Ross and Jason Murphy; seven grandchildren, Teresa and (Mark) Shearer, Jason and (Samantha) Moss, Cody Cochran, Ethan Murphy, Heavenly, Brianna, and Mariah Cochran; seven great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ilene and (Charles) Burton and Shirley Hancock; and many loving nieces and nephews.
Viewing will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2015, with service to follow at Fisk Funeral Home, 1107 Massachusetts Ave., Saint Cloud, FL, 34769. There will be a reception following the service at the American Legion Civic Hall Post 80 in Saint Cloud to honor his life and his service to a grateful nation.
