Otis Van Dorn Cochran III

68 year old, Otis Van Dorn Cochran III, of Wheatfield, passed away November 23, 2023.

On December 30, 1954, Otis was born to Otis Van Dorn Cochran II and Dorothy (Mullins) Cochran on Fort Chaffe, Arkansas. Otis graduated from Highland High School, and attended Prairie State College. He married the love of his life, Dianne Carlisle on April 23, 1977. Otis worked at Inland Steel, Cleveland Cliffs Steel Mill, as a pipefitter, and retired after 46 years, in 2019. He spent 25+ years as a Union Griever, and also Union Hall Insurance representative.

Otis was a people person who enjoyed life to the fullest. He was an avid trap-shooter, golfer, fisherman, and loved a long ride on his Harley motorcycle, especially with his many friends from work. Otis ran the trap range at Griffith Izaak Walton for 40 years, Coached Special Olympics with his wife Dianne, and son, Scott for 25+ years. Otis coached K.V. baseball for 15+ years with his son, Scott. Otis enjoyed the company of many people at Kankakee Valley Christian Church, where he attended.

To know Otis was to love Otis. He was generous, kind to a fault, quick witted, funny and adored his family.

His motto for life was: ‘I was designed to be a sports model and my lovely wife a production model’ I am a blessed man.

Otis is survived by his loving family, wife: Dianne, sons: Steve (Malinda) Cochran, and Scott (Samantha) Cochran, granddaughters: Adeline Hope Cochran, and Isabelle Marie Cochran, mother: Dorothy Cochran, brother: William (Dana) Cochran, sister: Kathy (Bill) Wachter, fur babies: Abby and Amos, and grand fur babies: Maggie and Millie.

Otis was preceded in death by his father: Otis Cochran Jr., daughter: Stephanie Cochran, brother: Michael Cochran, and grandmother: Edna Mullins.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the Kankakee Valley Christian Church. Services for Otis will take place at the church on Wednesday evening at 7:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the KVHS Sporting Clays Club.