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Walter E. McCoy
WALTER E. MCCOY
Cedar Rapids
Walter E. McCoy, 84, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2021. Walter was born on July 7, 1937, to his adoptive parents Walter Senior and Julia (Wilson) McCoy, Osage, Iowa. He attended high school in Osage. After graduation, he attended Simpson College. Walter became an ironworker and was employed for Iron Workers Local 89 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. In 1972 Walter married Melody Bell. Together they had one child Angelicque, born in 1973. Walter and Melody later divorced.
In 1983 he married Bonnie Lee at their favorite spot on the Cedar River which they affectionately called "golden pond." They enjoyed many happy years there. After a work-related accident in 1990, Walter left ironworking and he and Bonnie moved to Colorado, then Texas to start a sales career with Curtis Mathis. Several years later they returned to Cedar Rapids to be with family.
Throughout Walter's life he had a passion for stock car racing, golfing, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and creating furniture and clocks with Bonnie, along with anything else Bonnie's imagination could conceive. He had a great imagination of his own that kept his family entertained with his many mischievous antics.
Walter's survivors include his daughter, Angelicque (Shane) Sugihara, stepchildren, Steve (Connie) Lee and Lori (Kevin) Bestick; and grandchildren, Corey (Ashlie) Lee, Claire (Zach) Bonar, Chrissy Lee, Paul Bestick, Madeline Bestick, Shayna Sugihara and Hunter Sugihara. Also surviving are four great-grandchildren, Cameron Bestick, Body Lee, Taygan Lee and one on the way; Walter's sister, Janis Olson of Waterloo, Iowa; a niece, Dee Loecher; and nephews, Bruce Olson and Al Olson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his wife, Bonnie L. McCoy.
Walter and his wife Bonnie have generously donated their bodies to the University of Iowa Deeded Body Program, where their contribution will help the advancement of medical science.
The family would like to thank Windmill Manor of Coralville and Heritage Specialty care, nurses, and staff for caring for Wally during the last two years of his life.
Arrangements have been made on behalf of Brosh Chapel and The Avacentre in Cedar Rapids. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a future date and location.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.broshchapel.com
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