Obituary: Vern Edwin Cochran

For The Madera Tribune

Vern Edwin Cochran.

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Vern Edwin Cochran, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on April 22, 2026, in Fresno, California, surrounded by his family. 

Born on Oct. 17, 1954, in Madera, California, Vern was a lifelong resident of Madera County. He was known for his love of fishing, gold panning, cultivating cannabis, and for being a masterful storyteller whose presence brought warmth and laughter to those around him. 

He is survived by his wife, Jane Cochran; his two daughters, April Cochran and Ruth Cochran, along with Ruth’s partner, Roman Konovsky; his grandchildren, Frank Edwards and his wife Ana, and Mikayla Tirado-Aispuro and her husband Ivan; and his great-grandchildren, James Jose Tirado-Aispuro, Olivia Edwards, and Julian Tirado-Aispuro. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Max Cochran; his mother, Viola Turner; his son-in-law, James Rochelle; and his sister, Sharon Cochran. 

Vern will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him. His stories, spirit and humor will live on through his descendants. Vern leaves behind a legacy not measured in titles, but in moments. Days spent fishing, stories told around the table, and lessons quietly passed from one generation to the next. His family carries forward his humor, resilience, and love of the outdoors.