Walter R. Kocian, Sr.

Walter Rudolph Kocian Sr., age 75, of West, passed away early Thursday morning, June 4, 2009 at the Olin E. Teague Veterans Hospital in Temple. A rosary will be recited and Mass of Christian Burial celebrated 10:00 a.m. Monday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with the Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery, conducted by West V.F.W. Post #4819. The family will receive visitors from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Walter was born August 12, 1933 in West, the son of August and Anna (Nors) Kocian. He attended schools in West and was a graduate of 4-C Business College with a certificate in accounting. Walter served his country for 28 years with the United States Army Reserves during the Korean Conflict and Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Walter was a salesman for Grandma's Cookies in Waco for 12 years before retiring in 1995. Prior to that he worked for PepsiCola in Waco; he was a crew foreman for Asplundh Tree Company in Waco, West, and Temple; and he delivered newspapers for the Waco Tribune Herald. Walter was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West. He was also a member of the American Legion Post No. 478. Walter enjoyed gambling, drinking coffee at the Country Junction Caf in Elm Mott, and he especially loved spending time with family. A son, Walter Kocian Jr.; three brothers, Bernard Kocian, Albin Kocian, and an infant brother; and five sisters, Willie Mae Volcik, Tracie Schroeder, Ruby Moncrief, Haddie Kocian, and an infant sister; all preceded him in death. Survivors include three sons, Mark Kocian and wife Barbara and Larry Kocian and wife Sandy, all of Robinson, and Edward Kocian and wife Penny of Elk; a brother, Gus Kocian and wife Evelyn of West; a sister, Irene Wolf and husband Floyd of West; a sister-in-law, Ruby Kocian of West; his beloved dog, Peanut; 11 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Larry Kocian Jr., Blake Kocian, Daniel Curry, Brian Shafer, John Kocian, George Kocian, Rusty Kocian, and Zachary Kocian. Honorary pallbearers are Hugo Gorgas and his buddies at the Country Junction Caf and Waco Veterans Administration. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the West Volunteer Ambulance Association or the charity of your choice.