By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
10 Comments
  • Visitation

    Memorial Visitation:

    Wednesday, October 26, 2022

    4:00 to 7:00 pm, and

    Thursday, October 27, 2022

    10:00 to 11:00 am

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Service

    Memorial Service:

    Thursday, October 27, 2022

    11:00 am

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

  • Full Obituary

    Tyler Cochran 22, of Highland, IL, passed away, Friday, October 14, 2022 at Barnes Jewish Hospital, in St. Louis, with Mom and Dad by his side holding his hand.

    Tyler was born July 10, 2000.  At three days old it was discovered that he had a urea cycle metabolic disorder (OTC) which led to him getting a liver transplant at 3 ½ months old. Due to the damage from his disorder, he was cognitively delayed and non-verbal.

    This last year, Tyler started showing signs of increased liver failure.  Among other issues he was uncomfortable and experiencing more pain. Tyler needed another liver transplant.  His transplant teams at St. Louis Children’s Hospital/Barnes Hospital did everything they could to help him, but he was too sick to survive another transplant.  His brothers, Timmy, Erik and Bret were able to say their goodbyes.

    Tyler was a recent graduate from Triad High School in May 2022.  He was so excited when he stepped on that stage to accept his diploma and heard the applause, he didn’t want to get off.  He loved riding the bus and attending school.  He loved watching videos on his IPAD, including Blue’s Clues and Peppa Pig, and for some reason, preferred to only listen to Maroon 5.  He loved to go shopping, go for walks in the neighborhood with Dad, and eat pancakes from McDonald’s.

    Tyler had a rougher road than most with frequent blood tests, doctor, and hospital visits, but he still had a smile that could light up a room and melt many hearts.  Though he was non-verbal, he was able to communicate in his own way. He could show love and he knew that he was loved.  To say "Daddy and Mommy love you Tyler" doesn't come even close to how we feel. The world seems like a smaller place without you. We will always miss him but will always cherish the time we had together and the memories we made.

    He is survived by his loving parents, Timothy and Jennifer Cochran, Highland, IL; brothers, Timothy (Kylee) Cochran Jr., New Baden, IL, Erik (fiance, Ashley Nelson) Cochran, St. Jacob, IL, Bret Cochran, Highland, IL; grandparents, James & Joan Krepps, Belleville, IL, Robert & Marcia Cochran, The Villages, FL; aunts and uncles, Jordana (John) Stewart, Cindy (Tim) Hamblin, Cheri (David) Fitts, Dennis (Nadine) Cochran; many cousins.

    In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:  Tyler Cochran Memorial Scholarship.  (This scholarship will go to a Triad High School Student participating in the TLS Mentorship majoring in Special Education.) c/o Triad Schools Foundation, 203 East Throp Street, Troy, Il 62294 or Mid-America Transplant; 1110 Highlands Plaza Dr., Ste 100; St. Louis, MO 63110 on-line: https://www.midamericatransplant.org/our-foundation/donate-online

    Memorial Visitation:  Wednesday, October 26, 2022, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, and Thursday, October 27, 2022, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Memorial Service:  Thursday, October 27, 2022, 11:00 am, Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL.

    Clergy:  Minister, Matt Sutman, DeSoto Christian Church

    Interment:  at a later date

    Meridith Funeral Home, Highland, IL

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

10 Condolences
 
  1. Taylor Self / October 20, 2022 at 4:00 pm

    Tyler was in my pe class last year. Seeing his smile everyday always made my day 10x better. I loved hitting the beach ball back and forth with him and doing everything in my power to make him smile. He will be missed by many. <3

  2. Tracy Kleinberg (Szerzinski) / October 20, 2022 at 5:37 pm

    I had the pleasure of being Tyler’s teacher in middle school. He was always such a joy to work with and brightened every room he entered. I am so sorry to hear of his passing I know he was so very loved by family and friends. Tyler will be missed by so many. I pray for strength and peace for his family.

  3. Laura Michael / October 20, 2022 at 6:34 pm

    I was an aide in Tyler’s middle school class. He brightened the classroom every day with his wonderful smile. He exuded joy, and you could help but feel happy when you were with him. The world is a little less bright. Sending love and prayers to the Cochran family.

  4. Gail Bondari / October 20, 2022 at 7:13 pm

    I am so glad that I had the honor and pleasure of knowing and working with Tyler for so many years. He had a smile that lit up the world! He will be truly missed, heaven gained an amazing young man!

  5. Vickie Storm / October 20, 2022 at 7:32 pm

    Sending my love and deep condolence to my cousin Tim, Jennifer, and the rest of the family. I loved seeing the video of him accepting his high school diploma. Should we all live with that level of joy.

  6. Leigh Ann Noller / October 20, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    When I think of Tyler that smile and his excitement is what I remember. Tyler and my son Jackson were in the same class all through school. They also were in Special Olympic together for awhile. When I would see Tyler and say hi Tyler he would immediately flash that smile and get so excited. This would make me feel so happy and I know he made many others feel the same way.

  7. Julie Verhaar / October 20, 2022 at 8:53 pm

    I had the pleasure of working with Tyler in the TLS room at Triad High School. His smile and laughter brought joy to everyone. His beautiful eyes that found ways to communicate with us instead of words. Tyler will always have a place in my heart and his smile will be how I remember him. Prayers to his family and all who loved him.

  8. Cheryl Horner / October 21, 2022 at 9:55 am

    Tyler was such a joy to be around. I was definitely blessed to know Tyler several years at school. I worked at the school but I sure don’t think of it as working with Tyler because I enjoyed being with him. I will forever remember his smile and laughter. His smile would light up any room.He definitely had a way to communicate with everyone and made us all of us feel loved. My thoughts and prayers for his family.

  9. Bob and Debe Canaday / October 22, 2022 at 2:30 pm

    So very sorry to hear about Tyler. Your memorial written here not only pulls at my heart, it makes me smile knowing how loved he was by his family. The memories made with Tyler will always put a smile on your faces.

    May our LORD JESUS CHRIST give you comfort during this very hard time. And I pray that the days ahead you all are showered with much love from others as you have showed Tyler.

  10. Baylee Shea / October 26, 2022 at 7:18 pm

    I volunteered in the TLS club at Triad High School where I met and be friended Tyler. I’ll never forget his huge smile and contagious laugh. He truly could light up a room. My heart goes out to his family during this difficult time

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