Obituary of Derwood E. Kocher

DERWOOD E. KOCHER JR. Derwood E. Kocher Jr. , 81, formerly of Centermoreland, PA went home to be with the Lord on July 20th, 2023. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family. Don or Junior as he was often called by his closest friends and family proudly served his Country by joining the Army after graduating HS. Upon returning home from the service he frequently visited the Forty-Fort Dairy Bar where he met and married the love of his life of 59 years Nancy Welitchko (Kocher). After they married they settled down in the little town of Centermoreland where they built their own home and created their beautiful life together. They had three loving daughters: Tina (Tim) Maciejczak of Sweet Valley, Vicky (Alan) Taylor of Falls and Maylene (Russ) Gregory of Lake Winola. Derwood retired from Air Products & Chemicals in Wilkes-Barre, PA where he worked as a fitter and maintenance laborer. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix. He also liked to tinker with vehicles and could always be found outside working on them, especially after his daughters started driving. Throughout his lifetime his family began to grow. He was loved and adored by his family. His Grandchildren (Cody, Casey, Jessica, Ashley, Hunter, Clay, Kenzie) and his Great Grandchildren (Remi, Jackson, Adrina, Grant) brought him much joy and happiness. Derwood was an adventurer and loved taking road trips with his family. It didn’t matter where; he was along for the ride. He loved to play cards with his children and grandchildren. He was often caught cheating, which gave us all many laughs and great memories. We thank our Dad and his family for instilling the love of music in our lives. He, his sister Carol and other family members could always be found on weekends up in the white birch camping area playing their guitars and musical instruments. These moments and wonderful times together will forever live in our hearts and minds. Besides his wife, children and grandchildren he is survived by a brother, Daniel Kocher and many nephews and nieces. Derwood will be deeply missed and has left a huge hole in our hearts. Till we see you again, fly high among the Angels, play your guitar from above and keep a watch over us down here. There will be a Celebration of Life Service held on July 31, 2023 at 6 PM at the West Falls Baptist Church with Pastor Thomas Harmon presiding. Online condolences can be made by visiting Leo’s obituary at www.russincares.com The family wishes to thank Allied Hospice in Scranton and all of the doctors and wonderful nurses on the 4th floor at CMC, Scranton who treated and cared for their father