Thomas Michael "Mike" Cochran, 80, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Friday, December 13, 2024 at Garden View Care Center in Valley Park, MO. Mike was born on December 29, 1943 in Evansville, IN, to CT "Plue" Cochran and Gladys (nee Lamb) Cochran. Mike graduated from Rosiclare High School in 1961 and earned a Bachelor's degree from Murray State College in 1965. He joined the United States Air Force and was commissioned as an officer in 1966 and went on to serve for 27 years, including a tour in Vietnam. Mike is survived by his 4 children and 10 grandchildren: daughter Kelly Miller of Shiloh, IL, and grandsons Jordan, Aaron, and Josh; daughter Michelle Rak and son-in-law David of Peoria, IL and grandchildren Jude, Agnes, John, Teresa, and Henry; son John Cochran and daughter-in-law Dae of Fenton, MO and granddaughters Evalyn and Emily, and son Paul Cochran of Horseheads, NY. He is also survived by his sister, Pat Baker and brother-in-law Joe of Lincoln, IL, and niece Amanda, as well as his special friend, Jane Spears of Madisonville, KY, and the mother of his children, Ruth Cochran of Lebanon, IL. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Valley Park, MO, with visitation one hour prior in the church. A graveside service will immediately follow the mass at Jefferson Barracks Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Autism Research Institute.