Elmer Shirrell Cochran of St. James, Mo.  passed away at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. James, Mo. on Wednesday, January 18, 2017.  He was 90 years, 6 months, and 26 days of age.

Elmer Shirrell Cochran was born on June 23, 1926 to his parents: John Boley and Lou Ellen Hayes Cochran on June 23, 1926.  He married Jesse Cochran; to this union, four children were born:  Wayne, Steve, Kay and Judie.  He married Bettye Stewart, and to this union one daughter, Melissa, was born.  After Bettye's passing, he was united in marriage to Karen Southard.

Elmer Cochran is survived by his wife, Karen Cochran of St. James, Mo.; sons: Wayne Cochran and wife, Tomi of Tennessee; and Steve Cochran of Salem, Mo.; daughters: Kay Arthur and husband, Mike of Lebanon, Mo.; Judie Riddle of Salem, Mo. and Melissa Roark and husband, Shannon of St. James, Mo.  along with 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

Preceding Elmer Cochran in death are his parents: John Boley and Lou Ellen Hayes Cochran; wife, Bettye Cochran; brothers: Ernie Cochran, Alfred Cochran, and Lester Cochran and three sisters: Mae Sharp, Effie Harrison, and Oma Spencer.

Elmer Cochran was an owner/manager of a restaurant in Waynesville, Mo., and Houston, Texas. He managed Food Services at Seraton Hotels and also at UMR in Rolla. He served his country proudly for over 20 years in the Air Force and Army.  Elmer, was a veteran of the Korean Conflict.  He also worked for a real estate company in St. James.  He loved hunting and fishing; he especially loved hunting squirrels and rabbits.  He raised beagle dogs for several years.  He loved to laugh and to tell stories. He will be greatly miss by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, January 22, 2017  from 1 - 3 PM at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.

Funeral Services will be conducted on Sunday, January 22, 2017 at 3 PM at the Jones Fuenral Home with Pastor Frank Brooks officiating.  Pallbearers will be Shannon Arthur, Benjy Daniel, Michael Arthur, Casey Quinn, Kenneth Cochran, and Jim King.  Songs will be "Just A Closer Walk With Thee" and "Take My Hand Precious Lord".  Burial will be in the Broadway Baptist Memorial Cemetery in rural St. James, Mo.

All arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Mo.