Calvin L. Cochran, 84 of Shubert, NE, passed away March 3, 2008 at Falls City, NE. He was born February 28, 1924 at Barada, NE to the late Frank M. and Blanche (Clark) Cochran.

He enlisted in the U. S. Army April 12, 1943 at Ft. Lewis, WA. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Theatre earning a Bronze Star, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. He was honorably discharged on December 5, 1945 at Camp Beale, CA.

Calvin married Rose Anne Longley and they were later divorced. On September 20, 1980 he married Vesta Murphy at Vancouver, WA. Following their marriage they lived in an RV and traveled various places for his work.

Calvin was raised in the Shubert, Preston and Verdon, NE areas. He attended school at Verdon. In 1938 he moved to Oregon and worked in the ship yards until entering the U. S. Army. Following his discharge from service he worked construction as a structural iron worker. He worked all over the United States building bridges and power plants. He worked on three of the largest bridges in America, the Mackinaw Bridge in Michigan, Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington and the Golden Gate Bridge in California. He retired in 1988 and moved to Shubert and has lived there since.

Calvin submitted a video and appeared on America’s Funniest Home Videos a few years back which can still be seen in reruns. He was a musician and played in bands. He also made musical instruments and invented items. He was a member of VFW Post #1765 of Falls City, American Legion Post #376 of Van Alstyne, TX and 50 year member of Iron Workers Local #29 of Portland, OR.

Calvin is survived by his wife Vesta of Shubert, daughter, Lee Ann Tilton and husband Herb of Warrenton, OR, step-children, Liz Henderson and husband Richard of Milton, FL, Henry Mez and wife Rhonda of Kingston, GA, Paul Mez and wife Brenda of LaVarre, FL, Melinda Cole and husband Bob of San Juan Capistrano, CA, brothers, Caleb “Pappy” and wife Rose Anne of Verdon, Este and wife Sue of El Sobrante, CA, sisters, Maurine Newson of Alfred of Sioux City, IA, Lauretta Yates and husband Jimmy of Merriam Village, MO, Ivarn Fauld of Vacaville, CA, fourteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Laurel Dunn, Theda Crowe, and one in infancy, and two brothers in infancy.

The family will receive friends on Thursday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.
 

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2008 at 2:00 PM at Rulo Cemetery with Pastor Brian Thomas officiating. 

Pallbearers will include: Jesse James, Shubert; Roy Murphy Jr., Falls City; and Ron Rethman, Larry Johnson, Gary Cochran and Steve Howard, all of Verdon.

Honorary pallbearers will include: Wayne Williams and Buddy Cochran, both of Shubert; Howard Vice, Falls City; Wayne Rowell, Omaha; and Clarence “Red” Porter, Rock Port, MO.