John R. “Dick” Cochren P.H.D., 79, Princeton

John R. “Dick” Cochren P.H.D., 79, of Princeton, entered rest on Thursday, July 1, 2021, at Deaconess Gateway Hospital in Newburgh.

Dick was born on September 4, 1941, in Oakland City to John Cochren and Louella Mae Northener.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Peg Fordyce; brother, Jack Osborne and wife, Carolyn R. Cochren P.H.D. on Nov. 7, 2020, they were married on June 2, 1962.

He was a proud graduate of the Oakland City High School class of 1959. Bachelor’s of science from Oakland City College in 1963. Masters from Indiana University in 1969. Superintendent’s Specialist’s Degree, Indiana University, 1975; PH.D from Indiana State University in 1992.

He taught at Orleans High School and Princeton High School. Varsity basketball, baseball and track coach, Orleans; varsity cross country coach, Princeton; assistant basketball coach, Princeton; varsity baseball coach, Southridge High School.

He served as the assistant principal, Southridge High School; assistant superintendent, Southwest Dubois County School Corporation Superintendent, Southwest Dubois County School Corporation, Argos Schools, Princeton Community School Corporation. Also, was an associate professor of education, Indiana-Purdue University, Ft. Wayne; associate dean School of Education, IPFW; associate professor, University of Southern Indiana; Many articles published in educational journals, particularly about Public Educational Administration.

Dick was a member of Indiana Association of Public School Superintendents, Princeton Elks Lodge, Oakland City Golf Club, Disler Scholarship Men of Oakland City College, Dirty 30 Superintendent’s Club

Dick pursued a life in education and developed many wonderful relationships with colleagues and students over the years. He was an accomplished basketball player at Oakland City High School, graduating with 1,294 points scored, including a 49 point game against Ft. Branch his senior year he was very proud of. He played four years at Oakland City College as well.

He instilled a competitive spirit in his four boys and shared an intense dislike for class basketball in Indiana with them as well. He enjoyed going to casinos, playing golf and poker on Monday afternoons with his retired buddies. He cherished the baseball trips he made with his sons over the last 25 years. He loved the Atlanta Braves and Dallas Cowboys. He was devoted to Carolyn, loved his family, and was proud of all of them, especially his 10 “perfect” grandchildren and three “perfect” great-grandsons. He will be missed greatly by his loved ones and his friends.

Dick is survived by his sons, Jeff (Kathy) Cochren of Huntingburg, Larry (Sheila) Cochren of Washington, Mike (Celana) Cochren of Princeton, and Tony (Emily) Cochren of Dayton, Ohio; grandchildren, Katelyn (Ben) Lemond, Morgan (Tim) Gudorf, Weslie-Anne Cochren, Jonathan Cochren, Cameron Cochren, Ethan Cochren, Reagan Cochren, Seth Cochren, Maddie Cochren, and Reis Cochren; great-grandchildren, Owen Lemond, Liam Lemond, and Easton Lemond; niece, Jackie Osborne; sister-in-law, Judy (Dean) Liniger; brother-in-law, Steve (Robin) Kinder as in-laws.

Celebration of Dick’s life will take place on Saturday, July 10, 2021, from noon to 4:00 p.m. at Lamb-Basham Memorial Chapel with burial to take place at 1:00 p.m. Sunday, July 11, 2021, at Forsythe Cemetery with Rev. Darin D. Nossett officiating. Family and friends may send messages of comfort to http://www.lambbahsam.com The family has requested in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions in Dick’s honor be sent to North Gibson Dollars for Scholars, C/O Susan Mason 1645 East St. Rd 64 Princeton, IN, 47670.