Gary Lynn McCoy

Gary McCoy, age 81, passed away from cancer Monday, January 25, 2021 at Taylor House. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church, 1401 1st Avenue South, Altoona on Friday, January 29, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m., prior to the service. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery in Pleasant Hill, immediately following. Guests may attend the service virtually through the link below.

Gary was born July 4, 1939, in Eagle Grove, Iowa to Merrill and Dorothy (Fischer) McCoy. Moving to Des Moines as a child, Gary graduated from Des Moines Tech in 1957, and attended Grandview College. Gary was a member of the Iowa National Guard, and then the Iowa Air Guard. He was employed in electrical at FairPlay Mfg. for 41 years. He enjoyed that his July 4th birthday allowed him to always have that day off from work. Gary was always happiest in a boat with a fishing rod in his hand. With his sons or grandsons, or alone, he loved catching Walleye, Crappie, and everything in between. He enjoyed fishing trips to Canada, Minnesota, Red Rock, and Robert’s Creek. He was an avid sports fan. He enjoyed cheering on the Chicago Cubs, Iowa Hawkeyes, and all college sports. He had a reputation for his love of popcorn.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ruth; sons, Michael (Cindy) McCoy and Mark McCoy; grandsons, Cody McCoy and Cameron McCoy. He is also survived by his siblings, Janet Gustafson, Carol (Bud) VanDyke, and Gene (Christy) McCoy; and many nieces and nephews.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Gary; nephews, Steven Forbes and Matthew McCoy; and brother-in-law, Norm Gustafson.

The family expresses their appreciation to the staff at Taylor House for the compassionate care provided both to Gary and his family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Ss. John and Paul Catholic Church Building Fund.

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