DENZIL E COCHRAN

Denzil E. Cochran, 86, passed on Sunday, December 21, 2025 in Wheatland, Wyoming, at the Platte County Legacy Home, surrounded by family and loved ones.

Denzil was born on Tuesday, June 6, 1939 to parents Glen and Helen (Moon) Cochran in Wheatland. He farmed and ranched his entire life, and he had a special way with animals; they just always seemed to understand that he was there to help. After high school graduation in Wheatland, he married the love of his life, Dorthy J. White, on August 17, 1958.  Together they worked the farm and raised four sons. Family vacations were enjoyed, in addition to, antelope hunting and camping on the Laramie Plains. The family also spent many days hunting arrow heads and jade at various locations around the state.  County and state fair were also a family event, either as spectators or showing animals and projects.

Denzil was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Helen Cochran on December 14, 1985 and July 22, 1990 respectively. He is also preceded by his two older brothers, Gendal on February 19, 2022 and Donald Levon on June 4, 2022.

 He is survived by his wife, Dorothy and four sons, Allen (Mary), James (Jean), Clayton (Susan), and Troy (Maureen). He is also survived by seven grandchildren and nine great grandchildren.

Denzil had many accomplishments in his life and the ones he most talked about were being a representative at the national 4-H Dairy Expo in Chicago, Illinois, for his livestock breeding program when artificial insemination became available. He also enjoyed auctions so much that he eventually became an auctioneer and spent many years working with Clayton Reitz as R and C Auction Service.  These experiences all made for good stories through the years. He loved Platte County history and read everything he could on the subject. He always enjoyed a good game of cards or reading by the fire. He survived the 1949 tornado that hit the house in Wheatland and the little reservoir flood that rolled though the farm in 1969. Despite many setbacks, and natural disasters, he managed to raise a family, developed lifelong friendships, and become a respected member of the community.

Services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Monday, December 29, 2025 at First Christian Church in Wheatland, with Pastor Casey Schroeder officiating. Interment will be in the Wheatland Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please donate to First Christian Church, 95 19th Street, Wheatland, Wyoming 82201.

Gorman Funeral Homes - Platte Chapel of Wheatland, Wyoming is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.gormanfh.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of DENZIL E COCHRAN, please visit our floral store.