Obituary of LaMarr D. Cochran

LaMarr Derrall Cochran, 55, left us on Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, at Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center in Las Vegas. He had an emergency surgery to repair an abdominal aortic aneurysm on December 21 and was not able to recover. He was surrounded by family and friends in his final hours, and he and his boys were together for one last Chicago Bears game before he passed.

LaMarr (aka “Bean,” “Unk,” and “LC”) was born on October 20, 1967, in Chicago. He attended A.O. Saxton Elementary School and C.V.S High School. He met his future wife Tonita in Chicago playing video games. After his grandfather’s passing, he moved his mom and siblings to Arkansas. He then headed to St. Louis and back to Chicago on his own. Later on, he went to Minnesota to help family, and ran into Tonita. They rekindled their relationship and were married.

He and Tonita raised four boys together and were the hub for a huge network of friends and family. His passions were cooking and watching his Chicago sports teams. He was a chef for the Vikings and Gophers as well as his extended family. He dreamed of starting a food truck and was in the process of registering a vehicle for that purpose. He greatly enjoyed spending time with loved ones, listening to music, and traveling with his wife.

One of the best things about LaMarr was his huge heart, so the fact that is the part that couldn’t keep up with him in the end is ironic yet poetic. LaMarr was truly loved by everyone he encountered, and he worked very hard to keep his friends and family happy and well-fed.

LaMarr is survived  by his wife, Tonita Haire-Cochran; his mother, Geraldine Juju Cochran; three brothers, Frank and Todd Cochran, and Tommy Haire; two sisters, Tahesha Cochran and Roselyn Williams; three sons, Verdell, Anthony (Marshaya) and De’Aundre (Jessica); a nephew who was like a son, Daishaun (Jasmine) Mitchell; one aunt, Georgia Fitzgerald; three granddaughters, Alaya, Kenslee, and Kay’lee; seven nephews; 13 nieces; and a host of cousins and friends.

Visitation will be from 4-5 p.m. on Sunday, January 15, at Redeemer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Robbinsdale. Funeral services will begin at 5 p.m., the Rev. Hattie Horne officiating, with a repast to follow.

Kraft-Sussman Funeral and Cremation Services in Las Vegas and Spielman Mortuary in St. Paul handled the arrangements.