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Gerald Edward Kocher, born on June 22, 1943, in New Martinsville, WV, passed away on February 12, 2025. He was the son of John Edward Kocher and Edith Opal Musgrave Kocher.
A lifelong member of the First Baptist Church of New Martinsville, Gerald was also an esteemed member of Wetzel Lodge 39 A.F. & A.M. He graduated from Magnolia High School in 1961 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Marietta College in 1965. His career spanned three decades at the Hannibal Rolling Mill, where he worked in the Technical Department from 1965 to 1995.
Gerald was married for 39 years to Nancy Chapman Kocher, who preceded him in death in 2007. Though they had no children, he found great joy and companionship in his later years with Shirley Poole of New Matamoras, OH. In addition to his wife, he was also preceded in death by his half-brother, Charles.
A dedicated Freemason and Shriner, Gerald was an active member of the New Matamoras Social Shrine Club, Nemesis Shriners in Parkersburg, and Marietta York Rite Bodies, including American Union Chapter No.1 of Royal Arch Masons of Ohio, Marietta Council 78 of Royal and Select Masons of Ohio, and Marietta Commandery No. 50 of Knights Templar. He was also a proud 32nd Degree Mason of the Valley of Cambridge A.A.S.R. and a member of the Grand Commander's Club of the Knights Templar Eye Foundation.
Though he had no biological children, Gerald cherished four young men whom he considered his adopted sons. Billy and Chuck Starkey, sons of his childhood friend Bill Starkey, provided him with years of comfort and support. He also held deep appreciation for Shirley Poole's sons, James Poole II of Ohio and Ryan Poole of California, who treated him with kindness, respect, and love.
Honoring his wishes, there will be no services. Arrangements are entrusted to Hadley Funeral Home, New Matamoras, OH. Online condolences may be shared at www.hadleyfh.com.