SMSgt William "Bill" Grant Cochran

Senior Master Sergeant, USAF (Ret.) • Loving Father • Devoted Papa • American Patriot

William “Bill” Grant Cochran passed away peacefully in his sleep on May 9, 2026, surrounded by the warmth of family in the Clinton, Utah home he shared with his son. He was 66 years old. Born on February 13, 1960, at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, to Billy G. Cochran, CSM (Ret.), and Annamaria (Loreth) Cochran, Bill spent his early childhood travelling with his military father and devoted mother throughout the United States and Germany — an upbringing that planted the seeds of the patriot he would become.

Bill graduated from Fort Campbell High School in 1979 and went on to earn his Associate’s Degree before enlisting in the United States Air Force on April 25, 1985. Over the next 21 years, he rose to the rank of Senior Master Sergeant, serving as Deputy Fire Chief at Hill Air Force Base and earning an Honorable Discharge in 2006. A proud Gulf War veteran, Bill’s service took him around the world — Afghanistan, the UAE, Bosnia, Bahrain, Germany, Korea, England, and beyond. He was a member of the VFW, and his love for his country never wavered. After retirement from the USAF, he continued his service as a Firefighter and Fire Inspector in Civil Service at Hill AFB until his retirement in December 2021.

On September 1, 1989, Bill married Sandra Mayes in Lompoc, California, becoming an instant father to her son Ryan. In 1990, they welcomed their son William Conrad Cochran, completing their family. Though they later divorced, Bill and Sandra remained close friends until his final day — a testament to the spirit he carried throughout his life. He was a devoted son who adored his mother Annamaria — “Oma” — and made every effort to spend time with her. He was a mischievous brother to his three sisters, always ready with a “dad” joke and a grin. He was kind and generous to family, friends, and strangers alike.

In his later years, Bill lived for his family — and especially for his role as Papa to his six grandchildren. He spent the last couple of years of his life living with his son William and family, a gift he treasured deeply. He loved watching little Emersyn grow and cherished driving Nayvi to school each morning. It was the simple things that gave him the most pleasure, and he told his family often how happy he was with his life. The day before he passed, he babysat Emersyn, spent time with Nayvi, and sat and talked with his son William in the evening. He told his daughter-in-law Brittney and granddaughter goodnight around midnight. None of them knew it would be the last time. It was a perfect day.

Bill loved golf, skiing, fishing, camping, 4-wheeling, and hunting. He was a man who could find joy in almost anything, as long as his people were nearby. He deeply loved and admired his father, Billy G. Cochran — “Opa” — and his family takes comfort in knowing that Bill has been reunited with him and with his beloved niece and Goddaughter, Jenna Barenbrugge.

He is survived by His sons William Cochran (Brittney) and Ryan Mayes (Amber); his ex-wife Sandra Cochran; his mother Annamaria Cochran; his sisters Belinda Cochran-Barenbrugge (Chuck), Barbara DeGeus (Brian), and Patricia Molina (Brian); his nieces and nephews Steven Barenbrugge (Carissa), Brooke Sveiven (Chris), Lindsay Thomas (Skyler), and Alex DeGeus (Brianna); and his six beloved grandchildren Ryan “RJ” Mayes, Breanna Mayes, Addalyn Mayes, Kyle Mayes, Nayvi Bird, and Emersyn Cochran.

He was preceded in death by: His father, CSM (Ret.) Billy G. Cochran, and his niece and Goddaughter, Jenna Barenbrugge.

Funeral services will be held Saturday May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah. Family and friends may visit Saturday from 12:00 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary prior to the service. 

Funeral Service: 2:00 PM (Military Honors will be accorded)

Interment will be held Friday June 5, 2026 10:00 a.m. at Utah Veterans Cemetery, 17111 S. Redwood Rd., Bluffdale, Utah

All are welcome. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donation to a veterans’ organization of your choice in Bill’s name.