Obituary of Philip John Cochrane Sr.

Rev. Philip John Cochrane Sr., of State College, PA, died on Saturday, June 8, 2024 surrounded by his loving family at his son's home in Boalsburg, PA.

Philip was born June 24, 1934 in Cranford, England, the son of the late Reginald Arthur Cochrane and Joan Margaret (Coppard) Cochrane. He married Edith May MacLennan, on August 17, 1957, who preceded him in death on December 23, 2020 after 63 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by an infant son, Andrew Mark Cochrane.

Philip is survived by four children: Rev. Philip J Cochrane, Jr. (Sharon) of Mauldin, SC; David Cochrane (Patti) of Boalsburg, PA; Elizabeth McCord (Rick) of Coudersport, PA; and Ruth Seifer (Scott) of Altoona, PA. He was blessed with seven grandchildren: Andrew (Kayla) Cochrane, Jonathan (Jessica) Cochrane, Adam (Lindsey) Cochrane, Danielle Seifer, Rachael Cochrane, Jessica (Aaron) Nickol, Richard McCord, and five great-grandchildren: Camden, Kylie, Samuel, Scarlett, and Katherine. He is also survived by one sister, Joan Cochrane Watkins of Bournemouth, England, and a sister-in-law, Jean Hollows, of Stockport, England. Philip leaves behind his ever-faithful canine companion, Bentley.

Philip graduated from Kenley Bible College in Surrey, England in 1957. He served with his wife, Edith, as full-time Assemblies of God missionaries to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Africa, from 1957 until 1976. He was a builder and constructed several churches and hospitals in the Congo. Philip became an Ordained Assemblies of God Minister with the Pennsylvania-Delaware District in 1966 and was honored in 2016, along with his wife Edith, for 50 Years of Ordination.

He was the Senior Pastor of First Assembly of God, Tyrone, PA from 1977 to 1989. He was the Senior Pastor of Glad Tidings Assembly of God, Clearfield, PA from 1989 to 1999. He retired in 1999 and moved to State College, PA where he was a member of the State College Assembly of God. He sang in the Senior Ensemble and served as a leader on the church's missions board for 14 years from 2001 to 2015.

Philip enjoyed playing tennis, watching British soccer (having played soccer as a young boy) and Penn State football. He enjoyed cycling, having built his own bicycle in his teen years. From the age of 12 years old, he started his lifetime love and dedication to Jesus Christ, and lived a life of faithful service, testimony and prayer.

Philip sang with the Revivaltime Quartet and Choir in the UK in the 1950's and in many church choirs over the years. He enjoyed playing the piano and organ. He loved gardening from a young age and throughout his life. He and Edith were extremely proud and honored to become US citizens in 2007.

The family would like to thank the local Assembly of God fellowship for their faithful support to Phil over the years. The following neighbors provided special friendship to our dad: Dr. Gary Schell for years of snow removal help and a hot meal every Thursday, and Lynn Brown for her neighborly care and expressions of love through the years. His wonderful caregiver, Kathy Snavely from Home Instead, provided excellent care and many laughs. Lastly, the family is grateful for the wonderful nurses and aides at 365 Hospice for their care and compassion during dad's final months.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, June 11, at 10 am prior to the 11 am funeral service at the State College Assembly of God, 2201 University Drive Extension, State College, PA.

A private burial will be held at Blair Memorial Park, Altoona, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the State College Assembly of God Missions Program, 2201 University Drive Extension, State College, PA 16801 for the Congo Nurse Scholarship Project, a charity established to honor Edith for her nursing and midwifery ministry in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Further information can be found at https://congonursescholarship.org

Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be sent to the family at www.kochfuneralhome.com.