Thomas Charles Cochrane, 84, died Friday, February 26, 2010 at Washington County Hospital.

Born in LaPorte, In. on October 5, 1925, he was the son of the late Roscoe J and Clara (Lubs) Cochrane.

Thomas is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel and Combat Infantry Veteran of WWII, he served in Japan during the Korean Conflict and retired from the Army Reserves in 1985.

He graduated from Calvin Coolidge High School, in Washington, D.C., in February, 1944. He was drafted for military service in March, 1944. He ultimately was assigned to the 84^{th infantry division on June 5, 1944.}

In September 1944 he departed for Europe and landed in late October on Omaha Beach. He was part of the attack launched into the Seigfried Line in Germany. His unit suffered severe casualties decreasing its size from 186 troops to 39. On December 2, 1944 he moved across the front lines and ended up in German territory. He was able to avoid the enemy for 3 days before being captured by the Germans on December 5, 1944.

He was assigned to Stalag 2A, a prison camp near Neubrandenberg, north of Berlin. The Germans freed the prisoners in March, 1945 upon learning that Russian troops had crossed the Oder River en route to Berlin. He returned from Europe in July 1945.

He entered the University of Maryland under the G.I Bill and graduated in 1950 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. He was a member of Phi Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Scabbard and Blade Military Honorary Foundation. He was enrolled in advanced R.O.T.C. and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant upon his graduation.

In 1951 he was called to serve during the Korean War. He was sent overseas and assigned to Management Section of Far East Command in Tokyo, Japan.

His military decorations include The Bronze Star, The Purple Heart, POW Medal, European Theatre with one Battle Star, World War II Victory Medal, American Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and the Korean War Service medal.

He worked for Jamison Door Company for 35 years where has was a Sales Engineer, specializing in sound reduction doors and special sales. He continued as a consultant to the company for several years after his retirement.

Tom loved fire fighting and was a volunteer with The South Hagerstown Fire Company, Engine 5, since 1953.Through the years he served as President and Chief Director. His passion for the fire department led him to be an instructor for the University of Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute. He remained active with the fire department until his death, serving most recently as Treasurer and Assistant Losap Coordinator for Engine 5.

He was active in the community. Aside from his service to the fire department, he also donated his time to the City of Hagerstown Water Board and the Washington County Board of Technical Appeals. He was a former member of the Lions Club, and an advisor for Junior Achievement. He also was a member of the Hagerstown Civil War Roundtable, MOAA and Morris Frock Post 42, of the American Legion.

Tom was an active member at Trinity Lutheran Church since 1953. He served as past President of the Church Council, held numerous terms on the Church Council, drove the church van, was a former Sunday School teacher, helped with the food bank and was currently serving on the Property Committee.

A life long University of Maryland fan, Tom was known for his avid support of the Terps. He was a member of the Terrapin Club and previously served as President of the local chapter. He was recently inducted into the Terrapin Club's Heritage Society for being a member for the past 25 years.

A devoted family man, his family was a big part of his life. Each year, since 1983, he organized annual vacations to Ocean City, Md., and the Outer Banks of North Carolina. These vacations were the highlight of the year for him, as all of his children and grandchildren were together.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy I. (Dansberger) Cochrane, who was his college sweetheart, 3 children; daughters Nancy L. Bryant of Martinsville, Va., Carol Ann Brashears and her husband Mike, and a son, Todd B. Cochrane and wife Kim of Hagerstown, Md.; six grandchildren, Jason T. Bryant of Charlotte, N.C., and Julie C.Bryant of Martinsville, Va, Chad M.Brashears and wife Carrie, Kevin S. Brashears, Thomas P. Cochrane and Amy L. Cochrane, all of Hagerstown; and a great grandchild, Mia L. Brashears, and many nieces and nephews.

He leaves behind a brother, J.R. Cochrane and wife Mary of Freemont, Ne. He was preceded in death by sisters Lois Carter and Patricia Pumphrey, and brother Kenneth Fryer.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Douglas A. Fiery Funeral Home, 1331 Eastern Blvd., Hagerstown. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 15 Randolph Ave, Hagerstown. The Reverend Eric Norgard will officiate. Interment will be at Rest Haven Cemetery, Hagerstown.

Memorial donations may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Hagerstown, or the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may expressed at www.douglasfiery.com