W.F. "Bill" McCoy

William Francis McCoy, 87, Topeka, passed away December 26, 2011. Bill was born September 13, 1924 in St. Marys KS the son of Joseph and Jenny (Brunin) McCoy. He graduated from high school in St. Marys and immediately joined the Army. He served from 1943 to 1946 in the 14th Armored Division as a Sergeant and tank driver. While serving in WWII he was in the Battle of the Bulge and spoke with General Patton. Bill and his four brothers all served in WWII at the same time. For his service he earned several awards and medals which included the Ruptured Duck Medal. After his military service he attended Stricklers Business School and received his business certificate. Bill worked at the family grocery store, McCoy- Carnahan Grocery; where he met his wife of 62 years, Mary Lou. Bill married Mary Lou Evans in 1949 at Holy Name Catholic Church. He then began working for Goodyear Tire Company and retired with 29 years of service. While working at Goodyear he also owned his own business, W.F. McCoy Pest Control. Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus #534 and served on the Assumption Parish Council. He was an avid gardener, woodworker and had a love for nature and his numerous pets. Bill loved his family and was very giving by putting others needs before his own. He built the house that he and Mary Lou shared for many years. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou McCoy; his children, Joan (Jim) Wempe, Steve (Rae Ann) McCoy, Mark (Kim) McCoy, Mary Lynne McCoy, all of Topeka, Bill (Linda) McCoy, Olathe KS; grandchildren, Scott Wempe, Kevin Wempe, Noah McCoy, Jonah McCoy, Georgia McCoy and Bailey Gardner; a sister, Margaret Montgomery, Plattsmouth NE and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnny McCoy, Barney McCoy, Joe McCoy, Jim McCoy, Charley McCoy, Robert McCoy; his sisters, Mary Agnes Hughes, Sophia Payson, Genevive McCoy, Lucille Carnahan. Visitation will be Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Rd., Topeka KS 66614; where a parish rosary will be prayed at 7:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday, at 10 a.m. at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, 2014 NW 46th St. Topeka KS 66618. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Hands of Hope at Mother Teresa of Calcutta Church or donor’s choice, sent in care of the funeral home.

W.F. "Bill" McCoy

September 13, 1924 - December 29, 2011