Frank J. Kocman Jr.

He attended and graduated high school in Bryan and soon after was inducted into the U.S. Army where he served overseas until the end of WWII. This was the first time he was away from Bryan for any length of time. Soon after the end of the war he sent for his war bride, Helga Machentanz who arrived in late 1947 and they were married shortly after her arrival. After a stint with the phone company as a lineman and the arrival of their first child he sought steady employment at Texas A&M College in 1950 where he continually sought to learn new skills and accept higher levels of responsibility. During this time he continued serving in the Texas National Guard, 386th Engineer Battalion. In 1961 he and his unit were called to serve on active duty once again during the days of the Cuban Missile Crisis. Once the threat was over he returned to his career at A&M. He took on the roll of Payroll Manager for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service. a much needed part of maintaining the presence of County agents and Home Demonstration agents throughout the state. He remained in this role until his retirement in 1988. Always accepting challenges of implementing new technology he ushered in new payroll systems for the time. His prime directive at the time was “Don’t foul up someone’s pay”.

After retiring from A&M and the Extension Service he found time to become more active in the local American Legion Post. He served for many years as a member of Color Guard honoring many other veteran farewells. He served in the role of Finance Officer for the post was always active in recruiting other veterans to join. He cherished the weekly Legion get-togethers and he was always eager to regale anyone with stories of his remarkable recall of places and people. He developed many close and lasting friendships with those he became close with from the Legion. The family is so appreciative of the many rides, meals, conversations and uplifting of his spirits over the years.

He was also active in local German and Czech associations and had the pictures from many events to prove his love for Lederhosen and Kolaches.

He was preceded in death by his wife Helga, who were married for 46 years, his daughter Donna Thompson, his parents Frank and Mary, brothers Bill and Donald “Cotton” Kocman.

He is survived by sons Frank Wm (Bill) Kocman (wife Judy), Carl Kocman (wife Christina) and daughter Linda Kocman. Grandchildren Kim Tunnell, Kyle Kocman, Paige Kocman Adams and Cameron Kocman Homeyer; fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank all of the caregivers from Brazos Valley Hospice for their care during our dad’s final days.

A visitation for Frank will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bryan with a rosary at 6:00 PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be Thursday, September 4, 2025 at 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church interment will follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery.