Elmer Lee Cochran, Jr.

Elmer Lee Cochran, Jr., died peacefully at home Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024. He was born May 22, 1935 in Conway, Ark., to Elmer Lee Cochran, Sr. and Margaret Lucille (Gray) Cochran. Elmer graduated from Batesville High School in 1953. He attended U of A at Fayetteville. He served in the United States Army and the National Guard. He was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene where he served many years on the board, finance and building committee. At age 12 he started working in the family business where he ultimately became the successor owner of Ideal Baking and Distribution Companies. After retiring, his love for traveling became his next pleasure in life. Elmer was a visionary which was beyond what some could comprehend. He was bigger than life. Because his parents wouldn't buy him a car, at the age of 14 he began to build his very first car out of various car parts from junk yards. His parents were so surprised the day it started up. He completed it at the age of 16. His gifted determination conquered. His hotrod became legal when the Sheriff assisted him to the revenue office to title it as a one of a kind "Lincoln, Packard, Mercury". Elmer had a handshake that validated his word as oath. He never backed down from a challenge, instead he embraced it as an opportunity. His motto for success was three things: dedication, determination, and positive attitude. He loved his family and enjoyed summer vacations together. He and Debbie traveled the United States taking in the grandeur of God's creation. He had a heart of gold beneath the powerful force he portrayed. He never wanted recognition for his outreach for those in need. Most important of all, no matter the battle he knew the Lord had his back. He loved the Lord and praised him every day in his daily prayers. He loved the "Lords Prayer". Survivors include his wife, whom he married April 2, 1993, Deborah (Allred) Cochran of the home; two sons, Elmer Lee Cochran III of Batesville, Adam Farley of Little Rock; one daughter, Deborah Shellenberger (John) of Batesville; one sister, Mary Woodsmall of Batesville; six grandchildren, Courtney Cochran, Caylee Cochran (Herman), Caroline Cochran, John Marc Shellenberger (Alison), Rachel Shellenberger, Michael Shellenberger; three great-grandchildren, Jack, Emma, and Esther Shellenberger; Father-in-law, Charles Allred, Sister-in-law, Marion Allred, Brother-in-law, Doug Allred (Sherry) Cousin, Jeff Lybrand and several other nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, one son, James Lee Cochran, and one sister, Sarah Boone. The family would like to offer a special heartfelt thank you to Teresa Martin of Allheart Senior Care for all the love and tender care she gave to Elmer, to Patty Mason, and also to Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care. Pallbearers are Doyle Emerson, Phillip Pickett, Keith Mason, David Anderson, Rick Buie, and Todd Weber. Honorary pallbearers are John Harrison, Russ Amos, Ralph Huntsman, Charlie Williams, John Mark Williams, Troy Baxter, Bernard Sexton, Thomas Floyd, Tony Roepcke, Jeff Fowler, and Steve McMahan. Funeral services will be held at 12 p.m. Monday, April 1, 2024 at the Roller-Crouch Funeral Home with Pastor Warren Foxworthy, Dr. Roberta Bustin and Robert D. Ferguson officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time. Memorials may be made in his honor to the First Church of the Nazarene, 1611 Harrison St., Batesville, Ark. 72501.