Benjamin Allen McCoy

Benjamin Allen McCoy was born on July 12, 1929, in Woodward, OK, and died in Bakersfield, CA, on April 28, 2026. His family moved to Kennewick, WA, when he was four years old. Ben graduated from Kennewick High School in 1947 and went to Gonzaga University in Spokane, where he studied accounting and business. He then enlisted in the army, became a marksman instructor, and was stationed in Germany. He obtained his teaching credential from San Jose State University in 1962. He taught business subjects at Shafter High School from 1962 until 1999, where he was beloved by many of his students. For over forty years he was an avid dancer with his partner Janet. Many times a week Ben and Janet could be seen square dancing, round dancing, clogging, or folk dancing, and they frequented regional and state dance gatherings. Ben loved dogs, hunting, and canaries.

Ben is survived by his long-time partner, Janet Whitfield; two children, Theresa Maxwell (husband Guy) and Michael McCoy; two grandchildren, Cody and Taylor Maxwell; and three great-grandchildren, Miller, Campbell, and Fletcher Maxwell. His final resting place will be the Bakersfield National Cemetery.

Ben’s family is grateful to The Pointe at Summit Hills Memory Care staff and the staff of Hoffmann Hospice for making Ben’s last days pleasant and comfortable.