Lyman S. Cochran

Lyman Stillman Cochran, 87, passed away Sunday, February 25, 2024, at his home in Waite.  Lyman was born in Codyville on November 18, 1936.

After graduating from Lee Academy, Class of 1953, Lyman enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving in logistics.  On February 8, 1958, he married the love of his life, Kathleen Bagley.  Following his service, he returned to Maine and drove truck for Grant’s Dairy and worked for Thomas Texaco.  Lyman owned and operated his own Citgo station until moving to Connecticut where he worked for Pratt & Whitney.  Lyman and Kathleen eventually returned home and he worked for Stone & Webster until starting his career with Georgia Pacific.  He started as a paper tester and retired as Superintendent of the pulp machine with over 30 years of service.  After retirement, Lyman owned and operated Tomah Country Outfitters in Waite with his son Mitchell.

Lyman was an avid outdoorsman.  He was a Registered Maine Guide and enjoyed guiding for Leen’s Lodge in Grand Lake Stream.   Lyman loved hunting and fishing, RVing, snow sledding, watching the Red Sox and Celtics, listening to Willie’s Roadhouse, and spending time at the family camp on Farrow Lake.  Lyman was a member of the St. Croix Wanderer’s RV Club and the Crossroads Snowmobile Club where he served as President.  

Lyman was a gifted self-taught musician and talented vocalist and was often asked to sing at various venues.   He played the steel guitar, dobro, and the piano in a band, and enjoyed playing music with his best friends, Derl Thornton, Cecil Moreside Sr., Melvin Waycott Sr., Jimmy McCurdy, Chick Sprague, Charles “Buzz” Noyes, and Lois and Herbert Ripley.

Lyman was predeceased by his beloved wife Kathleen Cochran on November 23, 2023; his mother Elizabeth Cochran; son-in-law Shawn Donahue; father-in-law and mother-in-law Hazen Bagley Sr. and Marion (Robb) Bagley; brothers Clyde and Harold Cochran; brother-in-law Hazen Bagley Jr.; sister-in-law Mary Lou Thornton; and nieces and nephews, Annette and Pat Goode, Shelley Thornton, and Harold “Hally” Cochran.

Surviving are his four children, Mitchell Cochran and wife Donna of Talmadge, Jeffrey Cochran and wife Terry of Topsfield, Betty Phelps and husband Robert of Topsfield, and Darlene Donahue of Baileyville; nine grandchildren, Courtney MacDonald and husband Scott of Bangor, Tyler Cochran and companion Anneka Ortiz of Howland, Thomas Cochran and companion Alaina Hamilton of Topsfield, Taylor Byers and husband Brent of Bradley, Ryan Beers and wife Mikayla of Baileyville, Jalen Phelps and fiancé Sarah Gadue of Lincoln, Nathan Phelps and fiancé Jessica Moreside of Baileyville, Shawn Donahue Jr. of Baileyville, and Teagan Donahue of Baileyville; eight great-grandchildren, twins Blair and Blake, Madelynn, Ava, Ellis, Samara, Camryn, Carson, and Brynn; brother-in-law Royce “Irman” Thornton of Baileyville; sisters-in-law, Michelle Bagley of Lee, and Dorothy and Rose Cochran, both of CT; many nieces and nephews; and his canine companion Belle; and feline companion Buddy.

Visitation will be held 6-8 p.m. Friday, March 15, 2024, at Mays Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Calais.  A Celebration of Lyman’s Life will be held in the funeral home 1 p.m. Saturday, March 16, 2024.  Burial will take place in the spring at Codyville Cemetery.