Raymond Kocher

1935 - 2016

Raymond E. Kocher, 80, of Kunkletown, formerly of Palmerton, passed away on Saturday, January 16, 2016, at his residence. He was the husband of Shirley A. (Newman) Kocher. They celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary last April 24th. Born in Nazareth on February 07, 1935, he was a son of the late Lewis Sr. and Mary (Rodger) Kocher. Together with his wife, Shirley, Raymond owned and operated the Shir-Ray Inn in Palmerton for 28 years before retiring. Previously, he was a truck driver for several years and a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 773, Allentown. Raymond was also a member of the Nazareth American Legion, and he enjoyed NASCAR and was an ardent Jeff Gordon fan. Survivors: In addition to his loving wife, Shirley, he is survived by a brother, Sherwood Kocher of Bath; two sisters, Dorothy Hess of Lower Nazareth Township and Emily Baggest and her husband, August of Northampton; a sister-in-law, Mildred Kolb of Whitehall; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Keith E. Kocher in 2009, as well as four brothers, Elwood Sr., John Sr., William Sr. and Lewis Jr., and four sisters, Alice Barrall, Beatrice Houser, Bessie Fogel and Mildred Frey. Services: will be held on Thursday, January 21, 2016, at 11:00 A.M. in the GEORGE G. BENSING FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 2165 Community Drive, Route 946, Village of Moorestown - Bath, PA 18014. Friends and relatives are invited to call on Thursday morning from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Moorestown. Contributions: may be made in memory of Raymond to Compassionate Care Hospice, 363 South Route 100, Allentown, PA 18106.