Nevada, Missouri - Walter Lee Cochran, 76, passed away on Sunday, February 21, 2021, at his home in Nevada, MO. He was born on September 3, 1944, in Carthage, MO, to Rev. Floyd and Ida Mae (Michael) Cochran. On August 26, 1967, he married Gail Dianne Loafman in Carthage and she survives of the home.

Walter was raised in Carthage and graduated from Carthage High School in 1962. He received a two year degree from Missouri Southern College and then received an Education Specialist degree from Pittsburg State University. He taught at Webb City High School for a time and in 1981 he moved to Garnett, KS, where he was Assistant Principal and later becoming Principal at Garnett High School. Walter came to Nevada in 1983 where he was Assistant Principal at the high school. He later taught in the "At Risk Program" in Nevada from 1993 until his retirement in 1999.

Walter loved fishing and traveling. He was active member and Past President of the Missouri Retired Teachers Association, Past President of the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation and traveled extensively throughout the state as its president. He was currently President of the local MRTA Unit and current Vice-President of Region 6 of MRTA.

In addition to his wife, Gail, he is survived by several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Beth Cochran of Carthage. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Finis Cochran, and his sister Lucile Paul.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 26, 2021, at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada with Pastor Bill Platt officiating. A Committal Service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Park Cemetery in Carthage.

Those who wish may contribute in Walter's memory to the Missouri Retired Teachers Foundation for Classroom Grants c/o Ferry Funeral Home, 301 S. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772.

You may view obituary and send condolences online at www.ferryfuneralhome.com