Joe J. Kocian

Joe J. Kocian, age 78, of Lacy Lakeview, passed away early Saturday morning, October 1, 2011 at Lakeshore Village in Waco. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at the West Brethren Church, with Rev. Curtis Holland officiating. Military Graveside Rites will follow at West Brethren Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post No. 4819. The family will receive visitors from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Mr. Kocian was born August 26, 1933 in West, the son of Charles and Hattie (Kolar) Kocian. He attended St. Mary's School and West High School prior to receiving an Associate's degree in market management from T.S.T.C. He served his country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Joe was a bus driver for Central Texas Bus Lines and Central Texas Senior Ministries. He was a very faithful member of the West Brethren Church where he served on the Board of Elders. He was also a member of the Mutual Aid Society. Joe enjoyed reading, fishing, helping others and supported many charities. He especially loved spending time with his family and taking care of animals. Joe is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Raymond Kocian and Ted C. Kocian. Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Dorothy Kocian of Lacy Lakeview; a son, Michael Kocian and wife La Nae of Brenham; a daughter, Mari-Anne Gordon and husband Bruce of Ewing, NJ; a granddaughter, Gillian Kocian; sisters-in-law, Josephine Kocian and Ida Ruth Hodge; brother-in-law, John Hegar and wife Judy; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Scott Yariger, Wilburn Willis, Barry Uptmor, Teddy Kocian, Gary Cmelka, and Mario Scorza. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Brethren Church.