Paul James Kocian

Paul J. Kocian, age 74, passed away peacefully after a long illness on the evening of August 3, 2024, in Austin, Texas. The final rays of the day’s sun shone onto him as he left this Earthly realm.

He was born in Shiner, Texas to Charles Kocian, Jr. and Verona Cinadr Kocian. He grew up on a farm outside of Moulton and there learned skills and principles that guided his life. He graduated from Moulton High School in 1967, where he participated in FFA and made many lasting friendships. He went on to study at Blinn College and later Texas A&M University, finishing with a degree in Industrial Education.

From there he went to Houston to begin his career as a teacher, and on a blind date he met Debbie, whom he married soon thereafter. A few years later, they had their first child, Ryan. The family subsequently moved to a ranch-style house on nearly 5 acres just outside of New Braunfels, and that was where Melanie, his next bundle of joy, was born. Luckily, the family house had plenty of space for the kids to grow up in and enjoy the fruits of his labors.

As Paul continued his teaching career at Canyon High School (and also drove a school bus for many years), he received many accolades and later incorporated computer-aided design into his methods as computers came to the forefront in the 1990s. He retired in 2003 after his many years of service to the teaching profession.

He later moved back to his hometown of Moulton and enjoyed life with his nearby family members and partook in his many hobbies. Paul enjoyed gardening, woodworking, hunting and fishing trips, baking, canning, watching westerns, shopping for bargains, listening to music, and spending time with family. 

Paul leaves us a legacy of generosity, kindness and compassion. His dedication to his family and friends was unwavering, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the good fortune of knowing him.

He is preceded in death by his father Charles Kocian Jr. and mother Verona Vogt, brother-in-law Jodie Gold, nephew Travis Gold, mother of his children Debora Kocian and longtime companion LaVerne Wagner. 

He is survived by his son Ryan Kocian (Petra Rogers), daughter Melanie LaPorte (Marcus LaPorte), granddaughters Sadie and Mazzy, sister Irene Gold, brothers Alvin Kocian (Rosalyn Kocian) and Marvin Kocian (Jeanette Kocian), along with many nieces and nephews.

Visitation for Paul Kocian will be at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Moulton, Texas, on August 8, 2024, starting at 9:00 AM followed by a Rosary at 9:30 AM and a mass at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery in Moulton.

Warm summer sun,

 Shine kindly here,

Warm southern wind,

 Blow softly here.

Green sod above,

 Lie light, lie light.

Good night, dear heart,

 Good night, good night.