August Kocian, Sr.

August "Gus" Kocian, Sr., age 83, of West, passed away early Tuesday morning, June 3, 2014 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Temple. A rosary will be recited 6:00 p.m. Friday at the Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel recited by Deacon Ronnie Sykora, with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Saturday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Gus was born August 7, 1930 in Cottonwood, the son of August Rudolph and Anna (Nors) Kocian. He attended schools in West and received his Accounting Degree from 4-C Business College in Waco. On October 9, 1954, Gus was united in marriage to Evelyn Josephine Holecek in West. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Gus worked as a salesman for O.G. Wilson for over ten years until his retirement in 1995. He also worked as a manager at Tinker Maid Bake Shop, an assistant manager for Lavender's Cafeteria and a salesman for Darvin's Jewelers. Gus delivered the Waco Tribune Herald with his wife for over 22 years. Gus was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption and the American Legion Post 478 and Disabled American Veterans. He enjoyed watching Wheel of Fortune and was an avid Texas Ranger and Dallas Cowboy fan. He also enjoyed the lottery, buying scratch off tickets, spending time with his grandchildren and attending their sporting events. August is preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Walter Kocian, Bernard Kocian and Albin Kocian; and four sisters, Ruby Moncrief, Willie Mae Volcik, Haddie Kocian and Tracy Schroeder. Survivors include his beloved wife of 59 years, Evelyn Kocian of West; two sons, August "Gus" Kocian and wife Christine of West and John Kocian and wife Michael Ann of Leroy; one daughter Debbie Pohopek and husband Mike of Wells, ME; a sister, Irene Wolf and husband Floyd; a sister-in-law, Ruby Kocian; 5 grandchildren, Michael Kocian, Kevin Kocian, Shelby Kocian, Alan DeNuzzio and wife Jessica, and Amy DeNuzzio and fiance Adam Swain; 2 great-grandchildren, Pierce and Emily and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are George Kocian, Michael Kocian, Kevin Kocian, Raymond Schroeder, Jr, Joseph Holecek and Ronnie Osborne. Honorary pallbearers are Floyd Wolf, James Holecek, Gene Osborne, Ernest Holecek, Louie Kolar and Darvin Little. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Mary's Cemetery Association or the charity of your choice.