Retired US Army Sergeant Major, Roger "Ike" Dean Cochran, 80, passed away on September 13, 2017. Ike was born in Cowden, IL to the late Russell and Ruth Cochran. Besides his parents, he was also preceded in death by his grandparents who raised him, Ike and Alice Carson; aunt, Roberta Carson; and daughter, Karen Merzier. Ike attended Cowden Community High School before proudly serving his country in the United States Army for 21 years. During his military service, he was awarded 3 Bronze Stars for service in Vietnam, the meritorious service medal, the Army commendation medal, and numerous other awards for his service. After his retirement from the Army, Ike was employed by the Standard Office Supply in Norfolk as an outside sales person, promoted to sales manager, then to the position of the Vice President of the Commercial Division. He was also employed at Connoly Philips Lincoln Mercury as a salesperson in their new car division until 1985 and was then self employed until his retirement in January 2000. Ike was a friend of Bill W.

Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 16 years, Epifania Cochran; grandchildren, Raphael and Caleb Merzier; son-in-law, Reginald Merzier; brothers, Larry Cochran and Butch Cochran (Linda); sister, Ann Apple; sister-in-laws, Alejandra Mattausch, Carina Patten, and Dolores Maier; and a host of other family and friends.

The family will receive friends at Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake on Thursday, September 14, 2017 from 6-7:30 p.m. A service to celebrate his life will be held on Friday, Semptember 15, 2017 at 1 p.m. at the funeral home. He will be laid to rest at 3 p.m. at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk with full military honors. Please visit his book of memories at www.grahamfuneralhome.com.