Darrell Leon Cochell

Darrell Leon Cochell was born on October 2, 1939, to Emma Orlinda Steir Cochell and William Marcus Cochell in Monte Vista, Colorado and ended his journey on March 7, 2020, in Springfield, Colorado. Darrell, his mom, and stepdad Fred McCort moved to Lakin, Kansas where he graduated from Lakin High School.  He attended Pratt Community College on a football scholarship.  He returned to Lakin to marry his best friend, Patsy Jean Craig on May 3, 1958.  Nine months and 1 day later, their first son was born William Mark, which was followed by Robert Dean and Keaton Craig.

After early careers at the Lumberyard in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Tate Hardware in Lakin and Lakin Coop, Darrell started his lifetime career in the natural gas and oil business that took his family to Montana and Colorado, and back to Lakin.  He retired as Manager of Operations at the age of 58.

Pat and Darrell and their hunting dogs enjoyed many years hunting, camping, and following their grandkids with their activities.  Darrell had a great talent for woodworking and spent many hours in his garage working on his creations with a dog usually by his side.

Darrell lost his best friend and wife “Bertha” in January of 2014.  After declining health, he was forced to move to Springfield to be close to his family, where he resided in the “Cottage” at SECH.

Darrell is preceded in death by his mother Linda McCort, father William Cochell and stepfather Fred McCort, son Bob Cochell and infant son Keaton Cochell, brother Don Cochell and sister Helen Glaspby.

He will be deeply missed by his son Bill Cochell and wife Susan, grandkids Lindsey Zangaris and husband Adam and Marcus Cochell, and great-grandson Kade Zangaris.

As per his request, cremation has occurred and no services are planned.  An immediate family memorial will take place at a later date at Pat and Darrell’s favorite camping spot in the Colorado mountains.