J ohn Rodda is a third generation Wichitan. He attended Alcott Elementary School, Robinson Junior High School and graduated from Wichita East High School. He attended Kansas State University, Wichita State University, Friends University and finally Central State University (Now University of Central Oklahoma) in Edmond Oklahoma receiving a B.S. in Mortuary Science. John was the first embalmer in Kansas with a Bachelors Degree in Mortuary Science. John has been a member of the Cochran family since 1962.


When asked what he likes about his job, John said, "I think funeral service is a calling and a very demanding profession. To empathize and bring comfort to a family and help them through a death in the familiy is very rewarding." Regarding how long John has been a funeral director other staff members have said, "John has forgotten more about funeral service than most of us will know." John has mentored and taught Terri, Bob, Todd and Brandi Phifer the ins and outs of the funeral business. John's tutelage is part of the reason Cochrans does business the way they do.


In addition to his dedication to the families he serves, John supports and is active in several local organizations such as First United Methodist Church, Civitan Club of Wichita, Albert Pike Masonic Lodge #303 AF & AM, Wichita Consistory and the Midian Shrine Temple. In the Civitan Club, where his grandfather was also a member, John has served as Board Member and President and has been honored with the Honor Key (the highest civitan club award). He is currently the editor of the club newsletter. John is also the only Wichita funeral professional to be a member of the British Institute of Embalmers. In his spare time, John enjoys golf, bridge, cooking and playing with his two cats, Sophia and Dolly.