Robert "Big Bob" Raymond Kocher

Robert "Big Bob" Raymond Kocher, 72, of Sabina, Ohio passed away Sunday, September 15, 2024 at Christ Hospital, Cincinnati, Ohio.  He was born December 24, 1951 in Sabina, Ohio, son of the late William A. Kocher II and Betty J. Rhine Kocher Gerard.  He was a graduate of Wilmington High School.

A lifelong musician, Big Bob played throughout Columbus, Dayton, Xenia, Wilmington, and the  surrounding areas in numerous bands, including, Van Camps Bean Can Band, Tony Bandhouse, Ohio Silver, The Heartstoppers, Gangway, Jasper Mills, J.D. Blackfoot, The Columbus Jets, Seventh Son, Bramble, Willie Pooch, Small Town, the Artimus Pyle Band, Blue Sky, and Project 2024. 

While with the Heartstoppers and Small Town he played GABBAFEST in Macon Georgia in 1994 and the Georgia Allman Brothers Band Association Fan Fest in 1997.  During his time with the Artimus Pyle Band, he received writing credit for the song, “It Ain’t the Whiskey” which appeared on their 1982 album “APB.”  In 1983 he was lead vocals and bass player on the Bramble song “Vagabond” which appeared on their self-titled album “Bramble.”

Survivors include his sister, Bonnie (Don) Adkisson; sisters-in-law, Deborah Kocher (Richard) Keys and Susan (Bill Marine) Kocher; nieces, Kaitlyn (Jarrod Stemen) Kocher and Kathy Adkisson (David) Woods; nephews, Timothy (Mary Anne) Adkisson and William A. (Amie) Kocher; stepsiblings, John (Diana) Gerard, Carl Gerard, Carol Ellenwood; and many additional nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, William A. Kocher III and Barry J. Kocher; a nephew, John J. Kocher; his stepfather, John “Dutch” Gerard; and his stepsister, Jean Ann Gerard.

A celebration of Big Bob’s life will be held at the convenience of the family.  

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