David Lee Cochran

David Lee Cochran, 70, of West Des Moines, passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023 at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA.

Dave was born April 10, 1953, in Onawa, IA, son of Ira and Marie (Betts) Cochran. He grew up in Whiting, IA and received his high school diploma from there. Dave participated in Football, Basketball, Baseball, Track and Field, as well as, sang in the choir and played trombone in the band. After high school, Dave attended Wayne State College (affectionately referred to as the Harvard of the Midwest). After graduation from college with a degree in Education and his coaching certificate, he spent 1 year at Crestland of Early, 7 years at Ar-We-Va and 30+ years at West Des Moines Valley where he taught Math and Computer Science. He also was a lifelong coach of softball, Girls 6 on 6 basketball, Football, as well as both Girls and Boys Track. Dave received various awards throughout his coaching career including Assistant Coach of the Year in Football and Coach of the Year in Boys Track along with 8 State Championships (5 in Football and 3 in Track & Field).

One highlight for Dave was the opportunity to coach his son in football and watch all but 3 collegiate games Jon played in from the stands even though it meant coaching on Friday night to get up by 4:00 AM to fly to the west coast on Saturdays only to wake again at 4:00 AM on Sundays to fly back to Iowa for Valley Football at 1:00 PM.

Family was very important to Dave. Dave was a rock of support to both Becky and Jon’s activities and participated in everything. He was so happy when Emily joined the family, and we finally had a girl. Later when Benjamin and Mackenzie were born, they were the apples of his eye. Neither could do wrong, and he enjoyed every activity they participated in. He was indeed proud GRANDPA DAVE.

Dave was preceded in death by his son, Benjamin; his parents, Ira and Marie Cochran; his in-laws, Berkeley and Mary Lou Dankel; and brother-in law, Al Titus.

He is survived by his wife, Becky; son, Jon and wife Emily; grandchildren, Benjamin and Mackenzie; two sisters, Bonnie Titus of Sioux City and Jayne (Tom) Rake of Council Bluffs; nephew, Corey Titus of Council Bluffs; nieces, Darcy Titus of Sioux City and Kayla Rake of Council Bluffs; and sister-in-law, Susan Jay of Waco, TX.

A very special thanks to Dr. Tom Buroker and his team (Mel and Michelle) for all the love and care they have given Dave the past 10 years. Also, a big thank you to Dr. Kathryn Burns for your excellent care. Dave’s journey would not have been this lengthy without your exceptional guidance.

In lieu of flowers please considering donating to the Student Scholarship Fund at Valley High School or John Stoddard Cancer Center.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at Valley Fieldhouse, 3650 Woodland Ave., West Des Moines, Iowa and livestreamed from www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com. Family requests casual attire. “Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.”

For those attending the Celebration of Life, please park on the northwest side of Valley High School and enter through the northwest doors.

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