William McCoy
March 11, 2015
William Paul McCoy
Des Moines
William (Bill) Paul McCoy, aged 79, of Des Moines passed away from Leukemia on March 11, surrounded by family and loved ones.
Bill was born on June 1, 1935 in Boone, Iowa to Lizzy (Smith) and Cleo McCoy. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Bobby (a twin), Leo, Patrick, and Raymond. Bill is survived by his sisters Rose Breon and Vickie Peel and brother Harley.
Bill graduated from Boone High School in 1954 and attended the University of Iowa. Bill served in the Iowa National Guard, notably serving on the protection detail for the visit to Iowa of Russian Premier Nikita Khrushchev in 1959.
Bill and Mary Ann married on September 4, 1961 at St. Anthony’s in Des Moines and settled on Des Moines’ Southside to raise their family. Bill bought Sellers Hardware from Verna and Claude Sellers on the corner of Southwest 9th and Park Avenue in [1963] and ran a vibrant and successful business for 30 years. Sellers Hardware has existed as a hardware store since it was built in 1909, and continues to operate as a mainstay of the Southside.
Bill was a hardworking and gifted salesman who loved the retail business, and cared for all of his customers personally. He adapted to the advent of big box stores and increased his offerings to meet a wider range of customers, ensuring the survival of a small local business in challenging economic times. Customers knew Bill as a kind and fair businessman who would go out of his way to help them. Bill understood and empathized with his customer’s problems, providing no interest credit on a handshake and a person’s word.
Bill was an active member of St. Ambrose Cathedral in downtown Des Moines, as well as the Knights of Columbus and he supported the Southwest Ninth Street Merchants Association. Bill was a progressive Democrat and loved all political conversations. Bill’s greatest joy and highest priority in life was his Catholic faith, and his family, especially his grandchildren. Bill would attend as many of his grandchildren’s school and sporting events as he could, relishing in their accomplishments and encouraging them to excel.
Bill is survived by his wife Mary Ann McCoy (Kenneally) and their sons; Michael L., and Matthew W. of Des Moines, Patrick J. (Monique) of Tarrytown, NY, daughters Mary Bridget “Molly” (Patrick) Sweeney of Des Moines and Sarah Kathleen “Katie” (Matthew) Marshall of Cedar Rapids, IA and 12 grandchildren; Nathan (Ashley), Megan, Daniel, Benjamin, Jack, Andrew, Erin, Liam, James, Nora, Anna and Clare. Bill is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
The family will greet friends Sunday, March 15, 2015, from 1:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. with the Vigil Service at 5:30 p.m. at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, March 16th at St. Ambrose Cathedral, 607 High Street. Bill will be laid to rest at Glendale Cemetery.
The family would like to thank Dr. Bernard Feldman, Dr. Thomas Buroker and staff and Dr. Liberto Iannone from Iowa Heart for their many years of compassionate caring for Bill.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Central Iowa Shelter and Services, DMARC Food Pantry or to St. Ambrose Cathedral in Des Moines, IA.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Joyce & Harold Templeman
03/19/2015
Mary Ann, We are so sorry to read of Bill's death. What fun memories we have of our time together many years ago!! We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
John Nervig
03/17/2015
Mike and family, was sorry to read about your father's death. May your memories bring comfort as the days pass. My thoughts and and prayers are with all.
Bob and Mary Ann Jilovec
03/16/2015
Katie, know that you and your family are in our prayers. I know how much you loved your dad. Hold on to all those precious memories. Lots of Love dear friend!!!
Michelle (Barton) Plaveczky
03/16/2015
What a sweet man! Lots of my memories of DSM are fuzzy, but I remember Bill McCoy, plain as day, in a blue pull-over sweater, helping my Granddad find some odd thing-- and always with a big smile and a kind word to bored little girl in a hardware store. :-) May all of your sweet memories comfort you as you transition to the next chapter of your life. Lots to love to all of you!!!
Tom and Rhonda Sarcone
03/15/2015
To Mary Ann, Mike, Pat, Matt, Molly and Katie:
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing. I would like to share a story. In 1989 we were in Houston and had pipes break in our house. It was at Christmas time and local stores were out of plumbing supplies due to end of year inventories and wanting to avoid personal property taxes. I was able to contact Bill and he had what I needed and shipped it to us. We were able to get our problem corrected quickly. We'll always be grateful for this. We will keep him and you in our thoughts and prayers.
Tim Dow
03/15/2015
Here's to a good man who lived a good life. My condolences to Mary Ann and all of her family.
Your x-neighbor from Edgemont, Tim Dow
Jack & Roberta Griffith
03/15/2015
Mary Ann and Family, We are currently in Az but heard of your loss. Bill was a great and kind man. He will be greatly missed by the Griffith family. Roberta, the boys and I offer our sincere condolences and will keep all of you in our daily prayers and thoughts.
Stephanie Ganske (Schultheis)
03/15/2015
My deepest sympathy to your entire family. Mr. McCoy was such a wonderful man. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stephanie Ganske
Shelly Heitman
03/14/2015
Dear Pat and Family, I send my condolences to you and yours. Your a dear life long friend. My mother is praying for your mom and your siblings. I remember Seller Hardware, always going to get our screens fixed.:) Your father, a South Side Legend. I always think of the Mccoys when I drive by the store. I love you and Monique. I am truly sorry for your loss.
The George Marshall Family
03/14/2015
Our most sincere sympathy and condolences. It was a privilege to get to know Bill. A great man has joined God's kingdom.
Hubby and Kathy Goodrich
03/14/2015
Dear Pat,
Hubby and I send our condolences to you and all your family. We are glad Benjamin and James were able to be with their grandfather during their Feb. break.
We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Hubby and Kathy
Larry and Alice woods
03/14/2015
Mary Ann, and family our thoughts and prayers are with you all, their are no words to be said to ease your pain you all are feeling. We know he will be missed by all. He was so well loved by all. Our deepest condolence Larry and Alice Woods.
Rachel Runde
03/13/2015
Sorry for your loss Katie. I continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Judy Anderson
03/13/2015
Dear Matt and Family,
I'm so sorry to learn of your father's passing. Please know I'll keep you in my heart at this sad time. I loved his obituary, and he sounds exactly like 'The Real McCoy". He must have been so proud of you for all you've accomplished and for the many years of service to our Community. Hoping for peace for you and your family.
Jan Mashek
03/13/2015
Mary Ann, I am so very sorry to hear of Bill's death. I also regret deeply that I cannot attend the services for him. Knowing both of you through our connection at St. Ambrose has been wonderful. I will miss Bill and his smile greatly. Please share my thoughts and sympathies with your family. Also, please plan on seeing me when I return to Des Moines in April. God bless you at this difficult time.