Don Burdet Cochran, 85, of Glen Carbon, IL, passed away on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at his home.

He was born October 5, 1940, in Oklahoma City, OK, to the late Harry and Edith (née Cannady) Cochran. Don graduated from East St. Louis High School in 1958 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Don dedicated over 25 years of his career as a systems engineer with IBM before retiring. Following his retirement, he continued his professional pursuits by operating a consulting business focused on communications systems overseas.

A man of strong faith and service, Don was a devoted member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville, where he served on various committees. He was also one of the founding members of Metro East Lutheran High School. Don was actively involved in his community and beyond, including years of service with Lutheran Child and Family Services, serving on the board of advisors for Camp Wartburg, and volunteering with Ghana Harvest.

Don enjoyed spending time at his lake house on Lake Sara, was a devoted St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, and an avid reader. Known for his outgoing personality, he was often described as the ultimate salesman and a friend to many.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judith Ann (née Johann) Cochran, whom he married on September 15, 1962, and with whom he shared 53 wonderful years; a son-in-law, Doug Rankin; his brother, Harry Cochran; and two sisters, Sue Cochran and Mary Kent.

He is survived by his two daughters, Cindy (Ed) Reedy of Lovington, IL, and Lori Rankin of O'Fallon, IL; five grandchildren, Johanna Reedy, Emma (Brannan Taylor) Reedy, and Daniel Reedy, Matt (Amanda) Rankin and Will (Celeste Lopez) Rankin; one great-grandchild, Lila Brandt, with another expected soon.

Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Barry Wilson Funeral Home in Maryville, IL, and from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Collinsville.

The funeral service will follow at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Rev. Dr. Dale Meyer and Rev. Dale Skeesick. Burial will take place at Holy Cross Lutheran Cemetery in Collinsville.

Memorials are suggested to Metro East Lutheran High School, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, or Visiting Angels. Contributions may be made at the visitation or mailed to Barry Wilson Funeral Home, 2800 North Center Street, Maryville, IL 62062.