Dave McCoy

(From Knell Mortuary)

James Davilee “Dave” McCoy, 93, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Sunday, March 30, 2025, at Mercy Hospital Carthage, Missouri. He was born on October 10, 1931, in Ravenden Springs, Arkansas, the son of Edith (Dubois) Brown. He graduated from Soldan – Blewett High School in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Dave married Betty Bear on August 17, 1952, in Columbus, Indiana. He and Betty moved to Carthage in 1957 after having served as a Navy Corpsman stationed with the Marines on the front lines in Korea. He and Betty chose to make Carthage their home and raised their five children there. 

Dave was employed at McCune Brooks Hospital for 40 years. During that time, he held state and national office positions in the American Registry of Clinical Radiography Technologist where he worked to impact legislation and the certification process.

Dave was very active in the Carthage community and was known for his encouraging words and infectious joy for life and people. He enjoyed acting in several community theater productions, volunteering at various fund-raising events, and faithfully participating at his church. His love for God and faith were strong. Christ guided his steps daily and it was evident in how he loved, valued, and responded to others.

Sports were always one of Dave’s passions. For years he coached and played city-league softball, as well as church and YMCA basketball. After retirement, he began participating in the Missouri State Senior Games and the Show-Me State Games. He currently holds over 30 state records at these games, in events including: 400m, 800m, 1500m, tiple jump, discus, softball throw for distance, and more. In 2019 he, along with the Missouri State Games, was inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame. In recognition of his success at the senior games and his exemplary sportsmanship, Dave was named Missouri’s Senior Male Athlete of the Year for 2022.

At the age of 80, Dave also started distance running and enjoyed participating in area 5Ks. He currently holds five Missouri State Running Records, including: 1 mile (90yrs, 91yrs), 2 miles (88yrs,91yrs), and 5k (87yrs). Running in the 90-and-over category often made Dave one of the oldest runners participating and an inspiration to all. At 91, Dave fell in love with a new sport at the YMCA, pickleball. The thrill of competition and friends he made brought him incredible joy over the last two years.

Dave is survived by his wife of 72 years, Betty; children Debi Morgan, Carthage, Missouri, Karen Maynard (Greg), Buffalo, Missouri, David Keith McCoy, Joplin, Missouri, Cheryl Bryant (Jeff) Springfield, Missouri; his sisters, Joyce Schoenfeld, and Jean Wooten; grandchildren, Whitney Brown, Andrew Morgan, Matt Maynard, Forrest Maynard, Sarah Maynard, Sara Bell, William Bell, and Annie McCoy; 12 great grandchildren; a daughter in-law Linda McCoy; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a son, Mike McCoy; his parents, Edith and Charley Brown; three brothers, Vernon McCoy, Doyle McCoy, and Dallas McCoy; and his sister, Opal Nadene Bridgeman.




Memorial services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the First Christian Church, Carthage, Missouri. Visitation will be held from 10 to 10:30 am at the church. The family suggests contributions to St Jude Children's Hospital or Tunnel to Towers in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.