Samuel F. Cochran

Samuel Frazier Cochran was born on Monday, June 16, 1947, in Terrell, Texas, to Norman Palmer Cochran (1894–1971), a WWI veteran, and Letha Mae Pratt Cochran (1905–1948). The youngest of four brothers—Eugene (1923–1998), Wendell (1941–2022), and Donald (1943–2004)—Sam lost his mother as an infant and spent his earliest years in Paris, Texas, with his Aunt Nora and Uncle Bob Pratt. At age four, he returned to the family farm in Edgewood, Texas to grow up alongside his brothers.

After graduating high school, Sam paused his college plans to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1965 to 1969 and earning the Sharpshooter award. Upon his discharge, he joined the Dallas Fire Department in 1970, where he was honored as “Rookie of the Year.” Sam was especially grateful to his training officer, Charlie Gray, for introducing him to Jesus Christ. On Sunday, March 15, 1970, Sam described himself as being “born anew,” accepting Jesus as his Lord and Savior.

Sam met his devoted wife, Paula Marie Moore, in August of 1990 while windsurfing at Lake Ray Hubbard. They married on March 2, 1991. Sam lovingly referred to Paula as his “Proverbs 31 wife.” During their 34 years together, they shared countless adventures and travels, cared for their home and family, and served their community and others. Their greatest gift from the Lord is their son, Seth Cochran. Sam was most proud when Seth made his own profession of faith and later married his loving wife, Catie. Sam cherished them both deeply, as well as his two wonderful grandsons, Carson Samuel and Gibson Lane. Sam also adored his loyal dog, Emma, who was faithfully by his side and brought him daily companionship and joy.

Sam was well known for sharing his faith with others, hoping they too would experience the deep peace and joy he found in Christ Jesus. His ministries included teaching Bible studies, coaching sports, serving in children’s ministries, and acting as a deacon at Cross Church North Richland Hills.

Sam, the last of four brothers to pass, will be deeply missed by his family and many dear friends. His parting prayer is that all who entered his home and all whom his life touched would be drawn closer to God and to one another.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, December 19, at Lucas Funeral Home, 1321 Precinct Line Rd., Hurst, TX 76053.

Interment will take place at 9 a.m. on Monday, December 22, at the Dallas–Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Cross Church’s “Love Extended” ministry https://nrh.ccdfw.org/.