William McCoy

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

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