Joseph "Bucky" H. Kotch Jr.
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Joseph H. "Bucky" Kotch Jr., 77 of West, passed away early Tuesday morning, March 26, 2019. A Rosary will be recited and Memorial Mass will be at 1:00 pm Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at St. Mary Church Of The Assumption in West, with Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant, Nicholas Allnut as Altar Server. Burial will follow at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Bremond, Texas. Visitation with the family will be 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday, April 1, 2019 at Bellmead Funeral Home. Joe was born July 26, 1941 in Bremond, Texas the son of Joseph H. and Rose (Atomanczyk) Kotch Sr. He attended St. Mary School and graduated in 1959 from Bremond High School, where he lettered in football. After graduation he attended Dallas Institute of Mortuary Science, receiving his Texas Funeral Directors and Embalmers License. In 1962, he moved to the town of West, Texas and built Kotch Funeral Home and Kotch Ambulance Service. He also had locations in Bellmead and Waco. He retired from the funeral business in 2008 and took great pride in serving many Central Texas families. He owned and operated Kotch Limousine Service as well as La Vega Flower Shop from 1980 to 2004. Joe was a 3rd Degree Knight and was a member of the Msgr. Doskocil 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He was instrumental in building the first KC Hall and the construction of the current KC Hall in West. He was also a 56 year member of the Texas Funeral Directors Association. In 2013, he was recognized as a 50 year member. He was on the first Board of Directors for the West Community Hospital, as well as the first Westfest in 1976. Joe started the Memorial Building Fund for the West Rest Haven Nursing Home, where not too long ago he was responsible for getting 35 new wheel chairs for the new nursing home. He was a member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge #6, West Kiwanis Club, KJZT, Bellmead Lions Club, Bellmead Chamber of Commerce and was a Board Member of the March of Dimes Waco Chapter. He is preceded in death by his parents; his great-grandson, Aaron Pettaway; his sister-in-law, Janice Kotch; and brother-in-law, Joe Burda. He is survived by his wife, Ruby Kotch; his 4 children, Valerie Rogers (Chris), Victor Kotch, Vance Kotch (Donna) and Vanessa Gatlin (Wesley); 5 grandchildren, Joshua Jensen, Lauren Jensen, Whitney Brummell, Austin Williams and Kaede Kotch; 4 great-grandchildren; 3 step-children, Kathleen Daniels (Terrance), Darrell Betz, Kenneth Betz and David Betz; 5 step-grandchildren; his siblings, Sylvia Burda, Wanda Ray (John), Helen Howell (Lee) and Jim Kotch. Honorary Pallbearers will be the members of Monsignor George Doskocil 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Assembly # 2391. Memorials may be made to the West Volunteer Ambulance Association, P. O. Box 461, West, Texas 76691.
Visitation
Monday, April 1, 2019
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Bellmead Funeral Home
809 La Clede Street
Bellmead, TX 76705
Map & Directions
Service
Church
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
1:00 pm
St. Mary Catholic Church Of The Assumption
303 S. Harrison St.
West, TX 76691
Map & Directions
Interment
St. Mary's Cemetery
Bremond
Bremond, TX 76630
Map & Directions
Monday, April 1, 2019
6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Bellmead Funeral Home
809 La Clede Street
Bellmead, TX 76705
Map & Directions
Service
Church
Tuesday, April 2, 2019
1:00 pm
St. Mary Catholic Church Of The Assumption
303 S. Harrison St.
West, TX 76691
Map & Directions
Interment
St. Mary's Cemetery
Bremond
Bremond, TX 76630
Map & Directions
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Condolences(10)
Thomas and Cheryl Pratka
Leroy, TX Wednesday, April 3, 2019 Ruby , so sorry to hear of Joe's passing . Had some laughs with him at Bakery . He was good to Tommy's parents . And we always appreciated that . Hugs to you .Michael Hoblinski
Houston, TX Monday, April 1, 2019 My condolences to the family. Tho he's gone from us may we carry his memory in our hearts.Lisa
Waco, TX Monday, April 1, 2019 My deepest condolences to the family. God is close to those who grieve and wants to help them. (Psalms 34:18; Psalm 55:22) Please find comfort from his word the Bible during this difficult time. JW.ORGMark Gaiser
Deer Park, TX Saturday, March 30, 2019 "Bucky" and his family and my family have been friends for several generations. He was always an energetic and happy person and always liked to help others. He conducted several of my relatives funerals. He did so with utmost professionalism and he made you feel more at ease at those difficult times because you felt like you were a part of their family. He always liked to tell jokes and make you laugh. He will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace my friend. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sincerely, MarkStanley M, Watts
Lubbock, TX Saturday, March 30, 2019 Kotch Funeral Home in West TX was in charge of my mother Ruby J Watts and he done a good job helped us in our time of need. Thank you Joseph Kotch for being there for the good people of West TXJudy Knapek
West, TX Friday, March 29, 2019 May the peace which comes from the memories that Joe shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead. Sympathy and prayers to all of you.Marci Suasa
Waco, TX Friday, March 29, 2019 Kathleen & Ruby, I am so sorry for your loss! We are all praying for yall.Pamvrba
West, TX Thursday, March 28, 2019 Sorry for the loss of your husband, dad,granddad. We will keep all of you in our prayers.Mary Weinberger Hurtt
Bellmead, TX Thursday, March 28, 2019 Ruby & family, I am so sorry to hear about Joes passing. Keeping some cherished memories close to the heart will make the healing process a little easier. I know he is going to be missed.. Rest in peace Joe.Monica May
West, TX Wednesday, March 27, 2019 Ruby, so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. May your wonderful memories of him bring comfort and joy. May his soul Rest In Peace.