Lester Mccoy

Lester Warren McCoy, 99, of Beeville, Texas, passed away Friday, January 17, 2020.

Mr. McCoy was born March 28, 1920, in Springfield, Missouri, to George Washington McCoy and Nancy Ellen (Cobb) McCoy. In 1938, he graduated from Cabool High School in Cabool, Missouri. He married Odie Mae Carson on January 5, 1944. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 1946 and a master’s degree in 1948 in education and English from Texas Christian University (TCU). He served as high school teacher and principal in Harold, Texas from 1947-1951, was high school principal in Panhandle, Texas from 1952-1956 and at A.C. Jones High School from 1956-1979.

Lester proudly served in the U.S. Army Air Corps from December 1941 until November 1945.

He was an active member of the Adams Street Church of Christ and taught Bible class for numerous years. He was the treasurer of the church from 1983-2000 and as deacon from 1961-1967. He also served as an elder from 1967-1974. Brother McCoy led the congregation in public prayers. Some members would testify that Brother McCoy led some of the best prayers.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Nancy McCoy; his sisters, Maxine Requa, Hope Shiplet and Rose Marie Watts; a brother, Raymond McCoy; and a daughter, Judy Lyn McCoy Veihl.

Survivors include a brother, Richard McCoy of Independence, Missouri; his wife of 76 years, Odie Mae (Carson) McCoy; his son, James W. McCoy; five grandchildren, Jami Davis, Jeffrey McCoy, Heather McCoy, Eric Veihl and Breanne Veihl; eight great-grandchildren, Brennon and Taryn Hair, Parker and Spencer McGowan, Ireland McCoy, Raven McCoy, Kien McCoy and Bailey McCoy; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, at Galloway & Sons Funeral Home Chapel.

The funeral service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, January 22, at Adams Street Church of Christ with Minister Daniel Garza officiating. Burial will follow at Beeville Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be David Shepherd, David Todd, Brandon Shepherd, Albert McGuill, Bill Sugarek and Ronnie Smith.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Elder, Kyle Mansker and Byron Bradfute.