Laddis Antone Kocian, Jr.

Laddis (Laddie) Antone Kocian Jr. went peacefully to his heavenly home on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at the age of 81.  A father, grandfather, friend, and faithful Christian.  

Laddis was born to Laddis and Hildegard Kocian in Wharton, TX on November 19, 1942.  A graduate of Wharton High School in 1961.  During his school years, he made friends with Walter Hayhurst and Barry King.  Laddie, Walter, and Barry would become lifelong friends.  The “Three Musketeers”, as Laddie would like to refer to them, friendship withstood the test of time.

Laddie was avid outdoorsman.   He loved fishing and hunting.  And his love of the outdoors was passed to his son and daughter.  When his children were young, many weekends were spent at deer camp in the winter and Port O’Conner in the summer with family and friends.  Later in life, he spent many deer seasons hunting with his friends Tiny Jensen and Jimmy Nielsen.  

As a longtime resident of El Campo, he worked many years at Mark’s Machine Shop and HEB.  Over those years, he made many friends and had a positive impact on the people around him.

Laddie was an active member of Christ Lutheran Church.  He served his church faithfully for many years ushering services and serving communion. And each Sunday, he donated items for the Blessing Cup Ministry.  Laddie firmly believed the health of the congregation was in the youth, he felt it important to support the churches youth programs to ensure the future of the congregation.  

Laddie was preceded in death by his father, Laddis Antone Kocian, mother, Hildegard Emelia Marie Helen Braunstein and sister, Roberta Ann Kocian Hail.  He is survived by his daughter Kerry Kocian Caraway (husband Brian), his son Todd Kocian, his beloved grandson Jaxson Polasek and his ex-spouse, companion, and friend, Dorothy Kocian.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 2, 2024, from 5pm-7pm.  A “Celebration of Life & Memorial Service” will be held on Friday, May 3, 2024, at 10:00am at Wheeler Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to “Christ Lutheran Church Youth”.

Condolences for the family may be left online at www.wheelerfuneralhome.net

Wheeler Funeral Home, 612 W. Jackson St., El Campo, TX 77437 (979-543-3512)