Edward Thomas Cochran, age 76, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, passed away surrounded by family on the evening of Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Parkview Regional Medical Center following a brief medical emergency and associated medical procedure.

Born to Burnett and Lucille (Rodermund) Cochran in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on December 8th, 1949, Ed was one of 10 children. Ed graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School followed by Bishop Dwenger High School in 1969. An all-around athlete excelling in football, basketball, and track & field, Ed helped lead the Saints to many titles during the school's early years, helping build the foundation for the school's sports reputation. Following high school, Ed served 2 years in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War years with most of his time spent in Germany as a military police officer. After his military service, Ed worked many years as a meat packer, as a buyer in the steel industry, and as a security officer. A true family man, Ed was most proud of his children, Brian, Jamie, Kimberly, Leslie, and Courtney, born to him and his wife of 25 years, Denise. Ed was a wonderful Dad, Papa, and Great Papa dedicating most of his time and energy to his family who love him so very much. A man of strong Christian faith, Ed read his Bible and prayed every day. A sports enthusiast and walking encyclopedia of sports, Ed was a lifelong Notre Dame football, IU basketball, and Chicago Cubs fan. For several years, he passed along his skills and knowledge as a middle school basketball coach.

Loved by so many, Ed is survived by his son, Brian Cochran of Fort Wayne, Indiana, daughters, Jamie (Andrew) Cochran-Smith of Fort Wayne, Indiana, Leslie Cochran of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Courtney (Tyler) Miller of Harlan, Indiana, granddaughters, Addison Cochran and Ariana Cochran, great grandson, Luka Cochran-Jackson, sisters, Sharon (Louie) Snyder, Debra Rayl, and Donna Atkinson, brothers, Robert Cochran, Terrance Cochran, and Christopher (Amy) Cochran, 27 nieces and nephews, and many more family and friends.

Ed was most recently preceded in death by his daughter, Kimberly Diane Cochran (April 2026), and his brother, Daniel J. Cochran (October 2019).

Visitation will take place on Thursday, June 18, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Divine Mercy Funeral Home, 3500 Lake Avenue, Fort Wayne, Indiana, 46805. The funeral service will be held on Friday, June 19th, at 1:00pm, with visitation 1 hour prior to service, from noon till the time of service. Burial will follow at Catholic Cemetery, Fort Wayne, IN with Military honors.