Robert (Bob) Burchard McCoy, long time resident of Kirkwood, MO, passed away peacefully on July 24th, 2021 at the age of 94.

He was born on June 24th, 1927 in Huntington, IN., to William A. McCoy and Elizabeth G. McCoy (nee Loew). Bob was married to Carol Jean McCoy (nee Strand), of St Cloud MN.

Bob and Carol had four sons, Richard (Rick) [Judy], Robert (Rob), James (Jim) [Beth] and Jeffrey (Jeff) [Diane] McCoy.

Bob’s life demonstrated how powerful a positive attitude can be. When told that his chances of recovering from cancer were slim, he chose to believe that he would be one that would beat the odds. A good friend loaned him a Tasmanian Devil doll and told him that “Taz” would protect him from “evil” doctors and nurses. Bob took Taz with him every time he went for treatment, telling anyone that would listen why Taz was there. He beat his cancer and went on to develop a “Taz” manual full of inspirational and humorous articles. He recruited friends to finds additional Taz dolls. He gave a stuffed Taz with a manual to dozens of people that were battling cancer.

Bob was an avid joke and storyteller. Some were better than others. His recall was amazing. For those who knew him well, that could be a blessing or not. But not everything was a joke to Bob. He carried a comfort cross in his pocket for years that reminded him of the power of his Christian faith. Again, Bob paid it forward – giving crosses and encouragement to others going through difficult times.

Bob was an active member in the First Congregational Church in Webster Groves leading the Monday Morning Men’s volunteer group that helped maintain the facility. He made sure they had some fun too – creating puzzles and quizzes for the group each week.

Bob loved woodworking and making toys for his family and friends. At one point, he was giving away nearly 100 toys for Christmas. Each toy came with Bob’s trademark signature and a lifetime guarantee. He also made Christmas yard decorations for the entire neighborhood. A tradition that his son, Jeff, has kept alive since taking over the family home in Kirkwood.

Bob’s work ethic was unmatched and he taught his family the value of hard work and doing things right the first time. After serving his country in the Navy, he spent most of his career with the YMCA in roles ranging from youth/camp director to executive branch management. He handled most household repairs and home improvement projects himself because he had the tools and skillset to do so. Bob loved gardening and routinely gave away plants and bushes to family, friends and neighbors.

Bob travelled extensively with family and friends. Family camping trips took them to most of our National Parks and nearly every state of the Union. After he retired, Bob and Carol traveled the world with friends.

Bob lived a full and productive life. He was always mindful of the needs of others, looking for ways he could help them. He was an inspiration to all that knew him.

Bob is now reunited with his loved ones in heaven that preceded him in death – his wife Carol McCoy, his parents, William and Elizabeth McCoy; sister Betty Tabor; son, Robert (Rob) McCoy; and great granddaughter, Sophia McCoy.

Bob is survived by his three sons: Rick, Jim, Jeff and their wives; eight grandchildren -Barb Steen, Beth Beech, Bill McCoy, Matt [Kaylie] McCoy, Alison McCoy, Abigail McCoy, Greg [Jillian] McCoy, and Amanda McCoy; and seven great grandchildren – Jon, Brad, and Maddie Steen; Tinlee and Oaklee McCoy; Charleston and Caroline McCoy.

The family plans to hold a Memorial Service at a later date. Donations in Bob’s name can be sent to:

The Back Stoppers, PO Box 795168, St. Louis, MO 63179 https://backstoppers.org/gnhdonate/

First Congregational Church of Webster Groves, 10 W. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119 https://firstchurchwg.org/donate/