Lee Cochran

Lee Cochran
Mitchellville, Iowa

Lee Hayward Cochran, affectionally known as “Duder” or “Dude”, 54, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on April 20, 2024 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born on March 12, 1970 to Larry and Shirley (Ladoux) Cochran.

Lee dedicated his life mostly to his love of carpentry. In the last years of his life he worked for Redfox Inspections as a certified inspector.

Lee resided in the Cochran Homestead for many years, and made it a home that was a haven of love and laughter. He had a philosophy on life, not to take it to serious and live the life you love. Lee was always the life of the party, always ready with a funny cheesy joke or some funky crazy story that would make you laugh – or maybe just shake your head and walk away laughing. There was never a dull moment in his life. It wasn’t always about jokes and laughter. Lee was also incredibly sensitive and full of love. He had his own unique way of showing it, and sometimes he would just cry at a movie he loved.

Lee’s life was rich with family and friend, that was his real roll in life. His barbeques where famous in Mitchellville, where he would gather loved ones and smoke meats. His favorite was his yearly Hog Roast. Going with his brothers, sons and friends to get the “live” pig. Those times will dearly be missed.

Lee loved to cook and spent countless hours cooking with his wife and friends using his butcher block cutting board tables, designed and made by him to make it easier for all to prepare food together. He was all about Sunday dinners with family and friends. Whoever wanted to come was welcome

His warmth, wisdom, laughter and joy he brought to every gathering will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Lee’s legacy will be carried on by his family and friends, whom he loved with every fiber of his being.

Lee will be remembered as a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cathy; son, Mason Cochran; daughters, Rebekah Keeler, Isabelle Cochran and Emma Cochran; step-sons, Joseph Dittmer and Cody (Kellie) Dittmer; step-daughter, Shannon Morey; grandchildren, Elias Cochran, Mikkel Keeler, Hattie Keeler, Reighlyn Dittmer, Joseph Dittmer, Willow Dittmer, Anayah Othan and Dustyn Robbins; father, Larry Cochran; brothers, Shae (Christina) Cochran and Josh (Chantelle) Cochran.

Lee left this world to be rejoined with his mother, Shirley Cochran and step-son, Dustin Dittmer.

His family will greet guests on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 12:30 -2:30 p.m., at Hamilton’s Mitchellville Funeral Home., 303 Center Ave., Mitchellville, Iowa. Immediately following visitation, family will do a private graveside burial. They invite everyone to meet them at the Cochran Homestead, 315 5th Street N.W., Mitchellville, Iowa, to remember Lee and enjoy what gave him the most pleasure in life – his FRIENDS AND FAMILY!

Memorial contributions may be directed to family in loving memory of Lee.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hamiltonsfuneralhome.com

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