Arlene Grace Trader

She graduated from Muscatine High School in 1945. In the 1970’s Arlene completed an associate degree from El Centro College in the field of dental work.

She married Wesley Trader on August 6, 1963, and they enjoyed 53 years of marriage and had one child together. Arlene had previously been married to Marvin McCoy and had five children from that union.

Arlene and Wes moved to Carrollton from Iowa in 1969 when Wes became involved in the computer industry. Arlene worked for a local dentist, and in just a few years it seemed that she knew almost everyone in Carrollton. And, of course, she befriended everyone she met. She had a keen sense of business and enjoyed working alongside Wes in their business, WATCO Engravers, for more than 35 years. As a small business owner, Arlene was involved in area business organizations.

They joined First Methodist Church Carrollton, where Arlene remained a member until her death. The church was the first in the area to train members in Evangelism Explosion. Arlene thoroughly enjoyed the training, and as a result, she was instrumental in Wesley accepting Christ as his Savior.

An avid sewer and master seamstress, Arlene attended sewing classes and workshops into her 80’s. She especially enjoyed completing a Bishop’s tailoring course. She made beautiful wedding dresses for both of her daughters with the help of her mother. They worked painstakingly sewing lace and beads onto those gorgeous dresses for hours. Arlene and Wes began making quilts together during the time that Arlene’s mother lived in their home in Carrollton. All three conferred on fabric and patterns and made numerous quilts together. Many friends and family members were blessed by those quilts given as gifts over the years.

Those who knew Arlene understand her knack for making everyone feel special. She loved writing notes, letters, and birthday cards and was saddened when she could no longer send them. She loved her family fiercely and was our best cheerleader for anything we sought to accomplish. Arlene was ecstatic each time a new grandchild was born, even more so as the greats began to arrive.

Arlene is preceded in death by her husband, Wesley Trader, her parents and stepparents Helen and Edwin “Dusie” Buffington, Arthur and Charlotte Nickerson, brother Jackie Nickerson, her beloved sons James Dale McCoy and Dennis Michael McCoy, as well as great-grandchildren Landree Autumn Dhane and Laykin Wyatt Dhane.

Arlene is survived by her children, Kelly McCoy and wife Linda of Raton, NM; Cara McCoy Barbee and husband Alan of Arlington, TX; Brad McCoy and wife Jeane of Van Alstyne, TX; Loretta Trader Smart and husband Robert of Conroe, TX.

She is also survived by nine grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and numerous other family members.

Grandchildren: Nelson Barbee and wife Carly; Kaylee Dhane and husband Justin; John Smart and wife Lyndsey; Caitlyn Hayter and husband Joshua; Karlee McCoy; Alyssa Kossuth and husband Scott; Jaclyn Davis and husband Tyler; Sara Ramirez and husband Connor; Michael McCoy and wife Rachel.

Great-grandchildren: Bennett, Wesley, Everett, and Josie Barbee; Leighton Dhane; Emilyn Smart; Kael, Thatcher, Lincoln, and Cannon Kossuth; Callan Davis; Aiden, Elijah and Isabella Ramirez; Johnnie and Samantha McCoy. In addition, Arlene delighted in showing love to several children being fostered by the family.

The family wishes to say a very special thank you to Brookdale Senior Living in Mansfield, where Arlene lived for almost four years, and Vitas Hospice, who have helped care for Arlene since January.

If friends or family would like to make contributions instead of flowers, please make them to

Hope Women’s Center – McKinney

2777 Virginia Pkwy

McKinney, TX 75071