Neldon Grant Cochran

Neldon Grant Cochran was born Feb. 13, 1930, in Darbun, Mississippi.  He was the third child of Gertrude Lewis and Arvil Alexander Cochran.  He grew up with a love of family and of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Neldon was an exceptional athlete.  He played several sports in high school and junior college.  After playing two sports at Pearl River Junior College, he was offered scholarships to play either football or basketball.  He chose to play basketball at Loyola, but before the season started, his National Guard unit was called up and he went to Korea where he drove ambulance, mostly from the front lines to the aid stations.

On his return from Korea, Neldon decided to attend BYU.  While there he played M-Men basketball.  At an All-Church tournament he met LaRay Alexander who persuaded Neldon to move to Blanding, Utah to coach and teach.  Neldon thought he would go for a year--maybe two, and ended up teaching at San Juan High for 34 years.

In Blanding he met his honey, darlin', and sweetheart, Carmen Black.  They were married August 18, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Their loving home was blessed with six children:  a daughter and then Neldon's own basketball team of five sons.  

A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Neldon loved his service in the Church, unless it required him speaking before others.  He loved the people he served with.

Neldon was an influence for good for hundreds, if not thousands.  He was genuinely concerned and interested in those he knew, especially his students and the athletes he coached.

During Carmen's illnesses the last few years of her life Neldon would sit with her in the hospitals from morning until evening day after day, and month after month.  He has missed her every day since her death.  We are sure their reunion was a happy one.

For the past 6 years Neldon has resided at Legacy Retirement Residence in South Jordan, Utah.  He enjoyed his years there and he loved and was loved by his neighbors and the staff members there.  

Neldon was preceded in death by his parents, two sisters (Osma and Donna), and his wife, Carmen.  He is survived by his brothers (Arvil and Billy; two sisters (Geneal and Mitzi); His children:  Rebecca, Bruce (Karen), Robert (Christine), Jerry (Jodi), Steven (Sheri), and Corry (Heidi); 17 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren (at last count), all of whom love and miss him.

Funeral service in South Jordan, Utah, will be held at 11:00am on Friday October 6, 2017 at the LDS Church Chapel, 1409 West Shields Lane, where friends may visit with the family from 9:00am to 10:30am prior to the service at the church. 

Visitation and friends visit with family in Blanding, Utah will be held from 10:00am to 12 noon on Saturday October 7, 2017 at the Blanding Stake Center, 88 West 800 North. Interment will be in the Blanding City Cemetery with Dedication and Military Honor Guard at 12:30pm. Online memories and tributes can be posted for the family at: www.HolbrookMortuary.com