Amos E. Cocek

Amos E. Cocek, age 90, of West, passed away Sunday afternoon, August 26, 2012 at West Rest Haven in West. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Aderhold Funeral Home by Janice Kaluza, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by the West Veterans Honor Guard. Mr. Cocek was born April 11, 1922 in West, the son of Eugene and Mary (Gerik) Cocek. He attended St. Mary's School, West High School and Pasadena Jr. College in California. On September 1, 1956, he was united in marriage to Mary Ann Kolar in West. Amos served his country during WWII, enlisting in the United States Navy in 1941, where he served as an aircraft mechanic aboard the carriers Kersarge and Randolph. Following his discharge he was employed as a civil service aircraft mechanic at James Connally Airbase in Waco, Corpus Christi Naval Air Station, and Ft. Hood until his retirement. He was a lifelong and faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption. He was also a member of the West Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, American Legion #478 and Knights of Columbus Council #2305. Amos enjoyed spending time in his backyard workshop, tending his garden and pecan trees, farming with his nephews, making homemade wine, bass fishing, dove hunting, and visiting with friends at the coffee shop. He was a talented artist skilled in woodworking as well as oil painting and charcoal drawing. He especially enjoyed the many hours spent making priceless memories with his grandchildren. Amos is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Jerry Cocek. Survivors include his beloved wife of 55 years, Mary Ann Cocek of West; two daughters, Katherine Maler and husband Johnny of West and Anna Loera and husband Victor of San Antonio; two grandchildren, Aaron Maler and wife Laurie and Cara Hough and husband Bradley; a great-grandson, Gavin Maler; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Aaron Maler, Bradley Hough, Danny Mynar, George Mynar, Michael Vanek, and Daniel Vanek. Honorary pallbearers are Cara Hough and Laurie Maler. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's School Endowment Fund, St. Mary's Church, of the charity of your choice.