Obituaries

Quentin “Gene” Cochran, Sr., 89, of Martinsville, Virginia, passed away on Friday, November 28, 2025. He was born in West Virginia on October 12, 1936, to the late George Washington Cochran Sr. and Jeanette Hatfield Kunzi.

Gene was preceded in death by his wife, Edith Richardson Cochran; daughter, Sharon Barker; son, Quentin Gene Cochran, Jr.; sister, Deloris Ward; brothers, George Washington Cochran, Jr. and Ronnie Eugene Cochran; and his grandson, Richard Chad Hatcher.

Gene proudly served in the United States Army for three years during the Korean War. While in the military, he completed his GED and later continued his education with two years of college. He spent many years as a plant supervisor for Budd Trailer Company before starting his own trucking business. He drove for twelve years and loved being on the road.

He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he had a special love for bluegrass music. Gene was known for his storytelling, often sharing memories of the past with family and friends. Above all, he deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—each of them held a special place in his heart, and he was proud of every generation. His humor, love, and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Gene is survived by his daughters, Vicki Hatcher (Kenny), Pam Nester (Dickie), and Jatana Blankenship; sisters, Sue Dauer (Jerry) and JoAnn Karl; seven grandchildren; fourteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and many special family members and friends.

Poppy, our hearts are grateful for every memory you gave us. We love you forever, and we will carry you, your jokes and your stories with us always. We will always be thankful for the laughs you gave us. Love, your grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel with Pastor Kevin Paitsel officiating. Interment will follow at Roselawn Burial Park, 103 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, Virginia, with military honors presented by The Martinsville & Henry County Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 5:00–7:00 PM on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Wright Funeral Service Martinsville Chapel.

Wright Funeral Service & Crematory is serving the family.