Richard Kocian

Richard A. Kocian, age 69, of West, passed away early Thursday morning, January 21, 2021 at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Hospital in Waco. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26, 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. The family will receive visitors (come and go) from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Monday at Aderhold Funeral Home. Very limited capacity, facial masks, and social distancing are required at all services. Richard was born June 20, 1951 in Waco, the son of Albin and Mary Lee (Kostecka) Kocian. He was a 1969 graduate of West High School prior to attending McLennan Community College in Waco. On August 16, 1986 he was united in marriage to Carolyn Pribyla in West. Richard was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He was also a member of the KJT Society #31. He worked for HEB in Waco for the past 51 years. Richard enjoyed reading Stephen King novels, playing solitaire, and traveling, especially going on trips to Hawaii. He loved spending time with his family, attending all his grandchildren's sporting events, drinking a glass of good wine, and playing with his dogs. Richard is preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Louis and Evelyn Pribyla; and a brother-in-law, Larry Pribyla. Survivors include his beloved wife of 35 years, Carolyn Kocian of West; his son, Daniel Kocian and wife Danielle of Houston; his daughter, Rachel Croll and husband Daniel of Houston; his grandchildren, Jack, Ellen, and Luke Croll; his brother, George Kocian; his sister, Kathy Rule and husband Marvin; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are John Kostecka, Floyd Wolf Jr., John Kocian, Ricky Kolar, David Kocian, and Raymond Gene Schroeder. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Waco Humane Society or the American Lung Association.