Obituary of Tom Kocerha

Thomas Arthur “Tom” Kocerha was born the 11th day of September, 1942, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was the second of three children born of John Henry and Mayme Louise (McFarland) Kocerha. He grew up on a farm north of Calhan. He began his education at Centenal Ridge, in a one room school house, and later attended Calhan Schools where he graduated in May of 1960. Tom served his country honorably from 1967 to 1969 during the Vietnam War. He returned home from his time in the Army and shortly thereafter married the love of his life, Wanda Sue Dungan on July 25th, 1970. Children born to this union were Jason Ray, Gentri Sue, and Kyle Wade. They lovingly raised their family in the Simla community, and in 1989 endured the tragic loss of their son Jason. Tom cherished his family, and the void that remained was a constant reminder of the important things in life; and to Tom, that was his family. He was always there for everyone, whether it be for a helping hand, support, a fan in the stands, some good advice, or just simply to see his smile or hear his laugh when you needed it most. Tom had a number of jobs in different areas throughout his life including being a farm/ranch hand, working for Mateyka’s Well Drilling, Nichols Tilleage Tools, Maranville Seed and Chemical, and Hamacher Well Works. After retiring, he spent several years driving a school bus for Big Sandy School, which was something he dearly loved. Tom loved serving his community, and he loved kids. Tom’s children and grandchildren were the light of his life. He is survived by his wife Wanda, and children Gentri and Tim Settle, and Kyle and Kelly Kocerha; his grandchildren, Spencer, Cameron, and Cooper Settle, and Treven, Tatum, and Trenna Kocerha; sister Lois Ann Bradshaw; mother-in-law Bonnie Dungan; sister-in-laws Karen Dungan, Janet Dungan-Byrne and husband Chris, and Lynne Dungan; and a number of nieces and nephews. Tom was peacefully called home on March 26th, 2014 at his home in Simla. He was preceded in death by his son Jason, parents John and Mayme, brother Ernest Kocerha, brother-in-law Harold Bradshaw, father-in-law Charles Dungan, and nephew Ernest Lee Kocerha, Jr.