(veteran) Merril Eugene Cochran, 72, former Decatur resident, died on Tuesday morning, February 9, 1988, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Seattle, Washington.

Merril was born on July 2, 1915, at Rosalie to Winfield “Scott” and Sadie Valura Cochran.

Merril was a veteran of World War Two, having served in the South Pacific and the Philippines.

After being discharged from the armed forces, he moved to Seattle, where he was employed by the Elliott Bay Plywood Mill for a number of years prior to his retirement.

Survivors include his mother, Valura Cochran of Decatur; one brother, Frank Cochran of Decatur, and one sister, Joan Church of Seattle, Washington; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his father, one brother (Wayne Cochran) and one sister (Helen Olson).

Funeral services were held Monday, February 15, 1988 at the United Methodist Church in Decatur with Rev. Marion H. Knoell officiating.

Interment was in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Decatur.

Local arrangements were handled by the Hamel & Peck Funeral Home in Tekamah.