Leon Cochran, 90
May 15, 1934 – May 2, 2025
TUPELO – With heavy hearts the family of Leon Tullos Cochran announces his passing on May 2, 2025 at the age of 90 years. He was born to the late Martin Cochran and Hester Tullos on May 15, 1934 in Chester, Mississippi. Leon grew up in Chester and graduated from Weir High School. He continued his studies at Mississippi State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Management. Upon graduation Leon used his ROTC training to enter the US Air Force as a Second Lieutenant. During his 6 years in the Air Force he served as a pilot, achieving the rank of Captain. Leon married Lanita Reid on September 3, 1955; a marriage of 66 years. During the early years of their marriage they lived in many states from coast to coast, settling back home in Mississippi in 1968. He was a faithful and active member of St. Luke United Methodist Church for over 60 years, where he served in numerous leadership roles. Leon’s civilian career began at Memphis-based Plough Inc. where he achieved his goal of being a plant manager for manufacturing plants in Virginia and California. Leon later joined Futorian Manufacturing Company in New Albany, Mississippi where he managed several upholstered furniture plants in the Lee County area before he founded and managed Cochran Industries.
A Celebration of Life will take place at 11 AM Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Holland Funeral Directors, 5281 Cliff Gookin Blvd., Tupelo, MS 38801, with Rev. Rob Gill officiating. Burial will follow in Tupelo Memorial Park. Visitations will be held at Holland Funeral Directors on Friday, May 9, from 4 PM-6 PM and Saturday, May 10, from 10 AM-11 AM.
Leon is survived by his daughter, Cindy Reinacker (Rick) of Plano, Texas; his grandchildren, Lisa Rollins (Matt) of Tupelo and Allison Reinacker of Little Elm, Texas; 2 great-grandchildren, Evan Rollins and Vivien Rollins of Tupelo; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lanita Reid; his son, Jeff Cochran; and 2 brothers, Cohen Cochran and Dexter Cochran.
Memorials may be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1400 Clayton Ave, Tupelo, MS 38804 or The American Legion, P.O. Box 5947, Pearl, MS 39288-5947.
Condolences may be left on Leon’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Condolences for the family may be left on Leon’s memorial page at hollandfuneraldirectors.com.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
