The funeral service for Cochran, who was 81 years old, focused on Cochran’s influence and character, but also on his place as “arguably the most famous personal servant in the state’s history,” as Republican Speaker Philip Gunn said. “He was one those public figures who only required one name.” “Everyone knew who you were talking to, Thad,” Gov. Phil Bryant said. “Everyone knew him and everyone wanted to be his friend, regardless of whether they were there or not. Monday’s service was a clear indication of the respect Cochran has statewide. Many bridges that crossed the Mississippi River carrying the senator’s casket from Oxford to Jackson were covered with American flags. He was buried in Jackson. The Capitol crowd, which was about 300 strong, included all Republican statewide officeholders, U.S. After Cochran’s retirement last year, Senator Cindy Hyde Smith replaced him as well as U.S. Congressman Michael Guest. Roger Wicker, Mississippi’s senior senator from Tupelo, was not able to attend the ceremony. Along with several other Mississippi senators and U.S. Senators from other states, he is not expected to attend the ceremony at Northminster Baptist Church. Cochran was a member of this church while he lived here. Cochran was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972 and 1978 respectively, but he has never been a member of state government. However, Lt. Governor. Tate Reeves is running for Republican gubernatorial nominee. He told the crowd that a memorial service at the state Capitol was appropriate for the senator. Reeves stated, “I can’t think of any more fitting place for him this morning… than Mississippi’s Capitol.” “While Sen. Cochran was in a Capitol building far away from his home, he represented his people, his constituents, in Mississippi.” Chuck Poole, a former minister at Northminster Baptist Church led the audience in a prayer. Bryant, Reeves and Gunn then spoke about Cochran’s significance to Mississippi. Each speaker spoke about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina when Cochran (who was the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee) steered $40 million to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Gunn stated that the secret to Cochran’s legacy was not in what he did, but who he were. “Most importantly, he remembered that he was there for service and not to be served.” Bryant also emphasized the senator’s significance to the Mississippi Republican Party. In 1972, Cochran became the first Republican elected from Mississippi to Congress since Reconstruction. Six years later, Cochran was elected to the Senate. This marked the first time that a Republican from Mississippi had been elected to the U.S. Senate. Bryant, loosely paraphrasing Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken”, said that Cochran “In 1972, took the road less taken by.” Mississippi was a Democratic-controlled state when Cochran ran for office. Over the next 40 years, the Republican Party won the support of many former Democratic leaders. Many times, though the officeholders didn’t change in many cases, their party labels did. Bryant stated that Cochran was the one who started the current wave of Republicanism in Mississippi. “See, in those days, there were political candidates who seemed to polarize Mississippi. This young man from Pontotoc in Mississippi changed everything. Bryant stated that it was no longer about race or gender or region against region, or Democrats against the new party of Republicans which was so strong in 1970s.” “Cochran was a candidate to every man, every woman, every race, every gender, and every population in his beloved Mississippi.” Bryant called Cochran “the All American boy” and spoke about his time in the U.S Navy and his childhood as an Eagle Scout. Bryant also talked about Cochran’s senior year at high school. Bryant suggested that it was surprising that a tri-varsity student would also perform a voice and piano recital. Bryant laughed and said, “I would say it was a unique experience” for Byram High School’s class. While only Republicans spoke, Cochran was honored by Democrats such as former Gov. Ronnie Musgrove, former U.S. Rep. Mike Espy were the first African Americans elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from Mississippi since 1800. Jim Hood, the only state official who was not present, is running for governor. Hyde-Smith was appointed to replace Cochran after he resigned from health reasons in April 2018. She was later elected to the Senate position. Cochran gave her a solid foundation, including many of his staffers. After being appointed to replace Cochran, she said that she visited him in Washington, D.C. She claimed that they began to play tunes together at his piano in the office. She said, “He was quite accomplished.” She ended the concert by singing solo and her playing “God Bless America”. The speaker of the House and elected officials from the state are allowed to perform ceremonies in the rotunda at the state Capitol. In recent years, ceremonies were also held for governors. Bill Allain and Bill Waller, Kirk Fordice, and Speaker C.B. “Buddie Newman” and Lt. Gov. Evelyn Gandy. Vicksburg Mayor George Flaggs said, “He was a statesman.” “I have never been to Washington and he has not taken time to meet me,” said George Flaggs, Vicksburg Mayor. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of all Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think.