Clarence "CJ" Kocian

Clarence (CJ) Kocian, 70 of Wharton passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Houston Methodist in Sugar Land following a lengthy illness. He was born on July 27, 1951 in Wharton to the late Manuel Kocian and Lottie Bujnoch Kocian. CJ graduated from Boling High School and Wharton County Junior College. He married the love of his life, Sophia Reznicek on October 26, 1974 at Guardian Angel Catholic Church in Wallis, Texas. He was the owner of CJ’s Welding Service for 45 years as a machinist and fabricator. CJ’s most cherished memories were spent at the family property in Cordele enjoying nature with his wife, children and especially his grandchildren. Ranching, custom pecan harvesting, river fishing and hunting with his son were activities he enjoyed. He was a life member of the Knights of Columbus Council #3262. In addition to his parents, CJ was preceded in death by his sister, Leona Boone and brother, Leroy Kocian. He is survived by his wife of over 47 years, Sophia of Wharton, children: Adam Kocian and wife Kerry of Wharton, Nicole Adams and husband Billy of New Gulf and Veronica Jimenez and husband Shawn of Boling. Grandchildren: Kolby and Korey Kocian; Trak, Mak, Jak, Penny and Pepper Jimenez; Francesca and Quitman Adams and Ava & Ramon Isensee. Siblings: Mary Alice Machicek, Gladys Machicek, Joan Gulling, Katherine Paul, Manuel Kocian, George Kocian, Ervin Kocian and Theresa Hundl, and sister-in-law Delores Kocian along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close family friends. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 12, 2022 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton. A holy rosary will be recited at 1:30 p.m. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2 p.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church with a private burial at a later date. Serving as pallbearers are Seferino Jimenez and Jonathan Alan “Bubba” Pavlovsky - Honorary pallbearers are his grandchildren. Contributions in CJ’s honor can be made to: The Boling Volunteer Fire Department at P.O. Box 38, Boling, TX 77420 or The Camp Hope Program for veterans with PTSD at 9724 Derrington Rd. Houston, TX 77064