Paul Edwin Cochenour

Paul Edwin Cochenour, 81, passed away October 20, 2023, at Holzer Assisted Living in Jackson, Ohio surrounded by his loving family.

He was born September 6, 1942, in Lucasville, Ohio to John and Helen (Dawson) Cochenour who preceded him in death. Paul was married to Shirley Jane Halterman for 58 years, until her death on September 17, 2021.

He is survived by his daughter, Marcia Crace; his son, Gary (Traci) Cochenour. Grandchildren, Matthew (Andrea) Crace, Jon Crace, and Andrew Cochenour. Great-grandchildren, Charlee Crace and Hudson Crace. Sister, Twyla (Mike) Storage and Sister-in-law Sue (Richard) Cochenour.

Also surviving are Art and Holly Doll, whom he loved dearly as though they were his own son and daughter-in-law. Grandchildren, Chase (Robin) Doll, Zoe Doll, Bailey Rowe. Great-grandchildren, Cainan Doll and Jax Doll.

Paul will forever be remembered by his nieces and nephews whom he loved with all his heart.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his brother, Richard Cochenour.

He was blessed with an abundance of friends but his friendship with Jake Mullins was incredibly special. He was a true gift to Paul, especially in his last few years. You could always count on Jake for his visits, food deliveries, and truck rides around the area.

Paul graduated from Beaver High School in 1960 and went on to drive trucks for Cochenour’s Feed and Grain and various companies hauling steel from Ashland, Kentucky and delivering throughout Ohio. In 1987 he went to work for the Ohio Department of Transportation as a Highway Maintenance Worker until his retirement in 2009. He attended First Baptist Church in Beaver and was baptized February 26, 2017.

Paul’s legacy in his hometown will be fondly remembered by many. He had a passion for both drag and dirt track racing. He enjoyed sharing his automotive knowledge and taught young boys and teenagers how to work on cars and build engines. The product of his lessons could frequently be heard for years making their way through main street in Beaver and roaring out of town. Occasionally, you may still hear that sound if you are fortunate to be in Beaver at the right time.

He was known as pappy or pap, by his grandchildren and Uncle Pauley by his nieces and nephews. He was their biggest fan and supporter in whatever activity they were involved. You could always count on seeing him at every sporting event and helping with many 4H animal projects.

Paul was a fun-loving, social butterfly. His converted garage, which became known as Pappy’s Playhouse, was the gathering place and frequent hangout for family and friends for years. Later in life, Paul enjoyed spending time and spinning tales at Mike’s One Stop, Beaver Valley Hardware, and keeping the “liars’ bench” warm in town. He also made almost daily visits to Emma’s Frosty Kreme for a strawberry milkshake and footer.

Funeral service will be 2:00 pm on Thursday, October 26, 2023, at Cox Burkitt Funeral Home in Beaver, Ohio with Pastor Kevin Greene officiating. Burial will follow in the Beaver Union Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 11 am until the time of service at 2 pm.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Paul’s caregivers at Holzer Assisted Living in Jackson, Ohio. Also, our appreciation to National Church Residences Hospice for their care and compassion.

Flowers are welcomed and/or donations may be made to National Church Residences Hospice, 681 East 3rd Street, Waverly, Ohio 45690.

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