Roger Cochran, age 75, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away peacefully on January 16, 2026. He was born on October 16, 1950, in Shawneetown, Illinois, to Robert Cochran and Dorothy Lee Patton. As the son of a military father, Roger spent his childhood moving from place to place, an experience that shaped his curiosity about the world. He ultimately graduated from Normandy High School in St. Louis County in 1968. On December 5, 1987, Roger married the love of his life, Julie, in Springfield, Missouri. Together they raised their three children—Nick Wolgast, and Erik and Sarah Cochran, whom he shared with Claire D’Gaia. 

Roger devoted most of his career to caring for others as a registered nurse. He worked in several areas of healthcare, spending many meaningful years in dialysis, where his compassion went far beyond the walls of the clinic. He formed genuine friendships with his patients and was known for treating them like family—sometimes even joining them on fishing trips. Outside of work, Roger embraced the beauty of the Ozarks’ rivers, streams and lakes. He enjoyed fly tying, building custom fly rods, and spending countless hours tinkering in the garage with his fishing boats. One of his greatest joys was planning and taking fishing trips with his brother, Steve Cochran, which took them from the white sandy beaches of Florida to the waters of Alaska, Colorado, and Canada. Roger was also a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast who owned several bikes over the years and loved watching and talking about racing. He appreciated music of all kinds, from rock and roll to classical, and he had a deep fascination with world history. Above all, nothing brought Roger greater happiness than spring fishing on the James River and Table Rock Lake—especially when those days were shared with his son, Erik. Roger will be fondly remembered for his quick wit, delightful sense of humor, and colorful storytelling. His gift for words could make anyone laugh and feel at ease, a quality that stayed with him until his final days. Roger often said his greatest accomplishment was the pride he felt in raising his three children and seeing them grow into happy, successful adults with families of their own.

Roger was preceded in death by his father, Robert Cochran; his mother, Dorothy Lee Patton Schultz; and his stepfather, John Schultz. He is lovingly survived by his wife, Julie Cochran; his children, Nick and Jill Wolgast, Erik and Jen Cochran, and Dusty and Sarah Emerson; and his five cherished grandchildren, Cameron Cochran, Ben Wolgast, Bryce Wolgast, Evan Emerson, and Avery Emerson. He is also survived by his brothers, Steve Cochran and Lloyd Schultz, along with their children, Mike Schultz, Kara Cochran, and Maya Cochran.

A memorial visitation for Roger will be held on Thursday, January 22, 2026, from 3:00-4:00 pm, at Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 4:00 pm. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made in Roger’s honor to: Rock Steady Boxing, Inc., 6847 Hillsdale Court, Indianapolis, IN 46250 or the Missouri Department of Conservation, Donations, PO Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0180.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home and Life Tribute Center in Ozark, Missouri.