Gus Kocian, Jr.

August "Gus" Kocian, Jr., age 65, of West, passed away Sunday evening, December 27, 2020 at St. Anthony's Care Center in Waco. Rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery near West. The family will receive visitors 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Limited capacity, facial masks, and social distancing are required at all services. LIVE STREAM of service will be provided. Gus was born July 20, 1955 in Waco, the son of August and Evelyn (Holecek) Kocian. He was a 1973 graduate of West High School. On July 17, 1982 he was united in marriage to Christine Kaska in Abbott. Gus was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council #2305 in West. Gus worked as a senior operator for M&M Mars in Waco for 30 years. He enjoyed riding roller coasters at theme parks, watching West Trojan High School football, and traveling on road trips. He loved spending time with his family, especially his sons. Gus is preceded in death by his father; his father-in-law, George Kaska Sr.; and a brother-in-law, George Kaska Jr. Survivors include his beloved wife of 38 years, Chris Kocian of West; sons, Michael Kocian of San Antonio and Kevin Kocian of Austin; his mother, Evelyn Kocian of West; brother, John Kocian and wife Michael Ann; sister, Debbie Pohopek and husband Mike; mother-in-law, Anna Kaska; sisters-in-law, Louise Sullins and husband Rick, Dolores Tufts and husband Barry, and Mairi Kaska; brother-in-law, Richard Kaska and wife Wendy; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Raymond Schroeder, Larry Kocian Sr., Jason Sullins, Richard Kaska, Kyle Kaska, Ernest Kolar, and John Holecek. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to West Ambulance Association.