Kenneth Eugene McCoy

Kenneth Eugene McCoy, 72, of Schell City, Mo., the son of Robert Thomas and Margaret Rose (Sambol) McCoy, was born April 24, 1941, in Kansas City, Kan., and passed from this life Thursday, Nov. 28, 2013, at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo.

Kenny attended White Church Elementary then Ward Catholic High School. He later began employment with Waddell and Reed Financial Inc., where he worked for approximately 15 years, beginning in the mailroom and moving through the ranks to become an accounts manager. It was while working there that he met Edith Laverne Thomas. The two were married on Feb. 19, 1961, in Harwood, Mo., and their union four children were born. Ken and Edee decided early on that they wanted the children to be raised in the country rather than the city, so on Labor Day weekend in 1966, they moved to Schell City. For a little more than five years Ken continued to commute back and forth to the city to continue his job and was home on weekends. Then he and Edee decided to open their own business, the Coffee Cup Cafe, in downtown Schell City. Together they operated that business for 14 years, until they both went to work for the Schell City R-1 school district.

Ken worked for the school for 20 years, retiring in 2008. He was employed as the custodian, but did much more -- anything that needed to be done, he did -- cleaning, repairs, painting, building and classroom improvements, and being a good friend and source of encouragement to so many students through the years, just to name a few.

Ken's community involvement is another thing that made him a standout in this community -- he volunteered for countless events and projects. He was the fire chief for 20 years, a Schell City alderman for the north ward for 20 plus years, a member of Schell City Community Betterment, Coffee Club member, and was currently attending the First Baptist Church in Schell City. Since retirement, he and Edee have enjoyed traveling, eating out, shopping at flea markets, visiting "accessible" caves in the three state area, and could still be found helping out in the community. He also never lost his love of woodworking -- a hobby that could have been a full-time job.

Survivors include his wife, Edee, of the home in Schell City; three sons, Timothy Allen McCoy and Cymanthia, of Independence, Mo., Thomas Mark McCoy of Schell City, and Robert Eugene McCoy and Lynn, of Red Oak, Texas; one daughter, Suzanna Lynn McCoy and John Read, of Decatur, Texas; on brother, John McCoy and Helen, of Osawatomie, Kan.; two sisters, Nancy Snell and Bill, of Kansas City, Kan., and Margaret Heinz and Mark, of Nebraska; four grandchildren, Jennifer Wasmer, Jessica Heim and Gabe, Bethany McCoy, and RaeAnn McCoy; four great-grandchildren, Carson, Lily, Devon, and Peyton; and cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many, many friends.

Memorial services for Kenneth Eugene McCoy were held at 3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 30, at the NEVC Elementary campus, Schell City, with the Rev. Doug Reynolds officiating. Musical selections were provided by Julie Wilson. Interment will be scheduled at a later date. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Schell City Rural Volunteer Department or the American Cancer Society.

Arrangements for Mr. McCoy were entrusted to the Lewis-Hoagland Funeral Home, Schell City.