Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at the age of 60, following a brief battle with brain cancer. Despite his pain, Steve fought in a humble & gracious manner and was an example to so many. Steve was a loving father to Ryan (Christy) and Quinn (Nicole) and was a lifelong partner to his beloved, grade school buddy, Kathy. He was the adoring son of Judy and the late John Cochran Sr. Steve is also survived by his siblings; Kathy, John Jr., Colleen, Matt, Judy & Michael, as well as, by his mother-in-law, Georgette McGauley, and many brothers/sisters-in-law; nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his many family members, the list of people whose lives Steve touched is extensive. As a career coach, at all levels from the Jr. Bears through Division 1 Basketball, he shared his love for baseball, basketball, and golf with thousands of young athletes. Whether he was commandeering a pick-up baseball game, while on vacation in Florida, for his sons and their friends or whether he was barking out orders from the sideline to his basketball teams, his knowledge and passion for the sport radiated. His love of the game was so contagious that players were drawn to him and wanted to give him their very best. It was special to watch! They say, if you do what you love, you don’t call it work. Steve Cochran never had to work!
SERVICES: A funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, May 13, at 10:30 a.m. at Seven Holy Founders Catholic Church. 6741 S. Rock Hill Road, St. Louis, MO 63123. Visitation with the family will begin at 9:30 a.m. through the start of mass. Memorials in Steve’s honor can be made on the websites of his favorite local charity, Lifting up STL (liftingupstl.org) or to a national cause that hits close to home, The V Foundation, (v.org)
The memory I have of Steve in my mind’s eye is how he always greeted me with a smile. Our hearts pour out for the Cochran and McGauley families.
Knowing Coach Steve Cochran is a true blessing. His friendship enriched our family, and we are truly grateful.
He is one of a kind: very strong, talented, extremely encouraging, humorous, and definitely added so much good to our world.
An even greater miracle than what we prayed for has arrived as Steve is young and healthy once again, and basking in the love of Christ at a level we will only realize in heaven. With Deepest Sympathy. Will miss him always.
We are so very sorry for such a huge loss. Our prayers are with you all.
We are so very sorry for such a huge loss. Our prayers are with you all.
My condolences to Kathleen and her children, to all family of his and mcgauleys.
Love ya Steve! I loved your love, passion and gratitude you have for your family and friends… you are a true inspiration to so many…
My prayers and love go out to your family
“I’m telling you right now – you girls are going to win this ball game.” Our team was down by 16 points at halftime in a high school basketball game, and these were Coach Cochran’s words. By the end of the second half and two overtimes later, we won. That’s what he was like. He believed in us. He expected the best. And he brought out the best in everyone around him. He was larger than life.
Coach Cochran unselfishly taught me about the game of basketball and so much about life. I am grateful and honored to have called him a coach, mentor and a friend. He is irreplaceable, and I know his legacy will live on in all of the lives that he touched.
I am so sorry for this tremendous loss. Coach Cochran was an extraordinary man. My heart aches, and I will be praying for your family during this very difficult time.
Steve coached my daughter and was one of her favorite coaches ever. I have known Steve since 1995. He was an unbelievably great coach and human being. His contributions to the Wash U championship teams under Nancy Fahey were immeasurable, especially with their post players.
God Bless Steve and all who morn him.
Big Al
We only knew Coach Cochran for a short time when our daughter, Allison Randle Ross played basketball at Wash U. He is the reason she played there. He was a gracious, kind and caring man. Our prayers are for his family. And just maybe Coach Cochran is enjoying a game of hoops in heaven!
So sorry to learn of Steve’s passing. He was a giant in the world of girls BB. My daughter played for him, and I have known him since 1995. HIs contributions to the sport were many. His contributions to Wash U’s national championships were immeasurable as an assistant under Nancy Fahey. He was even a better human being and will be sorely missed by all.
God Bless Steve and all who morn him.
Big Al
Dear Kathleen & family, my heart aches at the passing of Steve. I didn’t know Steve, he sounded like a man among men. What a great loss. Steve will be missed by so many. Sending much love & prayers to you, Kathleen & all your family. May he rest in peace. Warm comforting hugs coming your way. God Bless
I am sorry to hear of your loss. Steve will truly be missed. Family take care of each other I am sure that’s what he would of wanted. May GOD bless you and yours with comfort, love and peace at this time and always.
I have known Steve since we played baseball together when we were 8 years old.
He has always been a wonderful fun loving person.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was a great guy, and will be missed by many.
I don’t have the capacity to say how much that Steve touched the lives of so many young athletes and people in his life – I will let all the comments above speak for what I would like to express! God bless Kathy and his sons and all his family & friends – Steve, you will always be glued into my mind – God be with you my friend!
RL
Our sincere condolences and sadness upon hearing about Steve’s passing. Steve coached our daughter’s basketball team during the time they won national championships at Wash U. Lots of wonderful memories! He was an incredible man and a wonderful influence on everyone’s lives with whom he came in contact with. He will most certainly be missed!
Tom and Sue Nolan
To Judy, Steve’s Mom, you’ve lost your husband and son lately. My deepest sympathy. So many rememberance of you at SDS, morning Mass bringing the Sweitzers, helping with the school, just being so friendly to all.
So sorry for your loss. We will be keeping your family in our prayers.