Melvin A. McCoy

Mr. McCoy graduated from the University of Illinois with a BA in Music Education and from Millikan University in Decatur with a Masters Degree. While at the University of Illinois, he participated in a yearlong tour with a Univ. of IL band on the vaudeville circuit playing various venues throughout the United States. His career focus was as a band instructor, establishing bands in several small towns around Villa Grove in central Illinois. He later moved his family to Springfield where he taught music at Feitshans High School, Southeast High School, and several junior highs over his long career. Mr. McCoy also taught private lessons continuously during his entire career touching the lives of countless students.

He was a long time member of the Springfield Municipal band, both the Ansar Shrine Band, and the shrine Retirees. He also participated in High Twelve as 32nd degree Mason. Mr. McCoy belonged to the First United Methodist Church for 91 years where he was honored at a service in 2005 as the oldest living member.

Mr. McCoy was preceded in death by his wife, Irene; his sister, Maxine; and brothers, Horace, and Otis. He is survived by his three daughters: Judy Freeman of Arlington Heights, Janet Leach (husband, David) of Chatham, and Nancy McCoy of Springfield; and loving companion, Charlyne Koch of Springfield. Grandchildren: Shellie (Freeman) Smith, Stacy (Freeman) Leonard, Ted Freeman, Christine Leach, Cathleen (Leach) Gallas, David M. Leach, and six great grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 14 at Boardman-Smith Funeral Chapel. The funeral will be at First United Methodist Church on West Wabash at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15 with burial to follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorial may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 2001 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63131-3597.