George Raymond Kochevar was born to John Kochevar and Lucille Clayton Kochevar in Kemmerer on Jan. 29, 1927.
After graduating from Kemmerer High School in June 1945, he joined the Army. During his time in the Army, he was deployed to Japan and Korea.
He left the Army in 1947 and enrolled at the University of Wyoming. He graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Bachelor of Science degree in June 1951.
Upon completing his college degree, Ray was hired by the FBI as a special agent. While there, he met LaVerne Handel, who was also an FBI employee. They were married in Cleveland, Ohio, in August 1953, and celebrated 68 years of marriage, until LaVerne’s death in 2021.
Ray and LaVerne settled near Cleveland, where Ray worked in administration for the General Electric Company, Chrysler Defense Plant, and Pyromatics Corporation. Ray and LaVerne retired to Venice, Florida, in 1988.
Ray was a Christian. He loved his family, playing golf, fishing, and was an avid sports fan.
He is survived by daughter, Debi; son, Jon (Dawn); brother, James (JoAnne); grandchildren, Erica (Matt), Bob, Kristin (Ben), Kathryn and Thomas; and great-granddaughter, Audrey. Ray is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Ray was in the care of Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home. A graveside service for Ray was held Tuesday, April 4, from 2-2:30 p.m., at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dignitymemorial.com for the Kochevar family. In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to the Alzheimer’s Association.
