Albin Louis Kocurek
1924-2017
Albin Louis Kocurek "Al", loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 13, 2017. He was born on November 11, 1924 in Granger, Texas to Rudolph Joseph Kocurek and Julia Dubil Kocurek, the fourth of six children. The family owned and operated the Dubil Meat Market and Grocery Store in Granger. After graduating from Granger High School, Al enlisted in the U.S. Army during WWII. He earned a sharpshooter's badge and was assigned to the 98th Calvary Reconnaissance Troop in the Pacific Theater, eventually crossing the Pacific Ocean by ship on several occasions. While on a fleet that was in the process of invading Japan, his unit received the announcement of Japan's surrender, and his troop became the first occupying force.
After the war, he met his one true love, Eva "Margaret" Wilkerson in Houston, and they remained married for 64 years. Al's entrepreneurial spirit found him owning and operating one of Houston's leading printing companies, ALCO Duplicating & Printing Co. His quick wit and keen humor helped Al capture the hearts of all persons around him. His profound sense of adventure as a true outdoorsman carried his family to countless destinations that included hunting and fishing, ocean cruising, water or snow skiing, frog gigging, and catfish noodling. He even made sure the family had a beach house every summer for a vacation.
Al is preceded in death by his parents and two siblings, and by his wife Margaret. He is survived by daughter Karol Bruton (husband Doug), son Randell Kocurek, Esq., daughter Susan White (husband Randy), and son John Kocurek (wife Diane). Other survivors include his grandchildren Brandon White, Dr. Holli Smith, Sarah Van Sice, Clark Kocurek, Katherine Haynes, Katherine Kocurek, Rachel Kocurek, Douglas Bruton, Jr., Hannah Kocurek, Christopher Kocurek, Jake Kocurek, 10 great grandchildren, his siblings Lillian Dockery, Georgianna Chamberlain, Martha Cervenka, and numerous nieces and nephews. The family acknowledges with heartfelt thanks the loving tender care given by Edy Rocha.
We will celebrate Al's life on Friday, February 17, at 11:00 am at St. Christopher's Catholic Church, 8150 Park Place Blvd., Houston, TX 77017. Visitation and rosary will be on Thursday, February 16 from 5:00-9:00 pm at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale St., Houston, TX 77023. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to STS Cyril & Methodius Catholic Church Memorial Fund, P. O. Box 608, Granger, TX 76530.