Denny Kocher

Dennis "Denny" DeVere Kocher, 86, of Warrenton, Missouri, formerly of Brockway, PA and Hazel Green, AL, passed away peacefully at his home on May 29, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on May 25, 1940, in DuBois, Pennsylvania, Denny was the son of D. DeVere Kocher and Mary Delores (Sattie) Presto Kocher, both of whom preceded him in death.

Denny retired from Owens-Illinois Glass after many years of dedicated service. Prior to retirement, he purchased, owned and operated the Cook Homestead Bed & Breakfast in Cooksburg, Pennsylvania, from 1996 until its closing in 2010. There he welcomed guests from all walks of life and creating lifelong relationships along the way. After closing the bed and breakfast, Denny moved to Hazel Green, AL, where he resided until 2023.

Denny lived a life full of adventure and genuine connection with others. To know Denny was to love him. He was a happy, fun-loving man who truly never met a stranger. Whether he was standing in line at a store, traveling across the country, or meeting someone for the first time, he had a gift for making people feel like old friends. His warm smile and easygoing nature left a lasting impression wherever he went. His work and personal travels took him to many places around the world, including Belgium, Ireland, and South Africa. No matter where life led him, Denny had a remarkable ability to connect with people and build friendships that often lasted a lifetime.

Denny was known for his wonderful sense of humor and was always ready with a good joke. He loved making people laugh and could brighten a room with his stories, wit, and infectious personality. His family and friends will forever miss the sound of his laughter.

Music was one of Denny's great passions. From a young age, he loved playing the saxophone and the piano. He was a proud member of the Silvery Moon Band in Huntsville, Alabama, where he enjoyed sharing his love of big band music with audiences and fellow musicians. Whether performing with the band or simply playing for family and friends, music was his happy place.

Denny was also a very talented woodworker who found great joy in creating beautiful handcrafted pieces. Many of his children and grandchildren treasure custom gifts he lovingly made with his own hands. Each piece stands as a lasting reminder of his creativity and the love he put into it.

Denny is survived by his wife, Barb Wilson of Warrenton, MO, and also his five children: Scott (Leslie) Kocher of Fishers, Indiana; Bryan (Lori) Kocher of McDonald, Pennsylvania; Kevin (Rebecca) Kocher of Meridianville, Alabama; Karen (Shawn) Goodwin of Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Cathy Harris (Karl, deceased) of New Market, Alabama. He was the grandfather of 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Richard Kocher (Connie Ann) of Cullowhee, North Carolina.

In addition to his parents, Denny was preceded in death by his infant son, Gregory A. Kocher and his wife Barbara A. Kocher.

Although his family mourns the loss of his earthly presence, they find comfort in knowing that Denny's heavenly journey has just begun. The love he shared, the laughter he inspired, the music he played, and the countless lives he touched will continue to echo through the hearts of all who knew him.

"Remember you are loved." These simple words, which Denny so often shared with his loved ones, will be with them forever. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.