Carl McCoy

Carl E. McCoy

Carl E. McCoy, passed from this life on January 21, 2011. He was born in Enid, Ok to Grace and Paul McCoy in 1931. Carl had a wonderful and fulfilling life with his wife, Susan and his children Melissa James and her husband, Rodney, of Carrollton, TX; Heidi Creamer and her husband, Greg, of San Antonio, TX; and Karl McCoy and his wife, Cindy, of Petersburg, Illinois. He also leaves five grandchildren, two great grandchildren and a number of beloved nieces and nephews. Also surviving Carl are his sisters Wanda Toland and Pauline Harmon, his brother A.L. McCoy and sisters-in-law Barbara McCoy, Ruth McCoy and Betty McCoy. Preceding Carl in death were his brothers, John and Rick McCoy and brothers-in-law Bob Toland and Clay Harmon.

Carl was a graduate of the University of Maryland and most of his working years were devoted to the fire service in various capacities ranging from firefighter to chief. He had several careers after retiring from the Air Force in 1969. At Oklahoma State University he wrote and edited the "Red Books" which are utilized worldwide in training firefighters. He then became the Director of the Illinois Fire Protection Standards and Education Commission headquartered in Springfield Illinois, providing leadership in the development of nationwide firefighter certification standards. His final retirement came in 1990 when he left FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Denton, TX.

Carl had many adventures in his life, including participation in the first H bomb test on the island of Eniwetok, "noodling" with his brothers in Oklahoma rivers and travelling the world with friends and family. He was also an outstanding storyteller.

Carl's wish was that rather than mourn his death, we should celebrate a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.