Wayne E. Kocher

Wayne E. Kocher, 89, of Bucyrus died early Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at Heartland of Bucyrus where he had resided for over two years as a result of Alzheimer’s Disease.



He was born in Holmes Twp. October 13, 1926, the youngest child of the late Charles and Camilla (Yaussy) Kocher. He went to Holmes-Liberty where he was in FFA, played basketball, and graduated in 1944. He served in the US Army from 1951-1953 and was stationed in Japan. After returning to Ohio, he was introduced to Mary E. Hines of Woodsfield, Ohio and they were married August 11, 1956 in Lewisville, Ohio.



A lifelong farmer, Wayne raised a lot of livestock, milked a lot of cows, and harvested a lot of grain over the years. He loved farming with his brother with his bib overalls on and trusty pocket watch close at hand and he looked forward to gathering with family at family reunions and after the holidays. A man of faith, Wayne started each morning with devotions reading The Upper Room. He was a member of Bucyrus United Methodist Church and the former Epworth UMC where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, and did a lot of committee work. He also served on the Trouble Clinic Board. At home, he could be found tinkering around with anything that needed fixing or watching game shows, Browns, or Indians on television. He will be remembered as a caring man who loved to tease and watch Wynford basketball.



Wayne is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Kocher; sons, David (Robin) Kocher, Kenneth Kocher (Janel Brause), and Mark (Karen) Kocher; grandchildren, Brandon (Beth) Kocher, Brittany (Corey) Yancey; Haley Kocher (fiancé Tad Fannin), and Hannah Kocher; sister, Martha Smith; sister-in-law, Hazel Christman; and numerous nieces and nephews.



In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brother, Harold (Ruth) Kocher; sister, Persis (Guy) Ritzhaupt; and brothers-in-law, Warren Smith and Robert Christman.



The Kocher family will receive friends for visitation and viewing on Thursday, September 15 from 5-8 pm at Wise Funeral Service in Bucyrus. A private burial with military rites in Oakwood Cemetery will take place before his Memorial Service is held on Friday at 1:30 pm at Bucyrus United Methodist Church with Pastor Mike Corwin officiating.



Those wishing to make donations are asked to give to Bucyrus UMC or Wynford Athletic Boosters (for girls basketball) through the funeral home. Photos and memories can be shared on Wayne’s Tribute Wall.