Merle Collier Mccoy

Merle Collier McCoy, of North Muskegon, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 9, at his home in Miramar Beach, Florida. Merle was born on January 16, 1934 to Kathleen (Collier) and Wade McCoy in Portland, Oregon. He was a graduate of Lewis and Clark College. While in college, Merle joined the Marine Corps Reserves, and spent the summer between his junior and senior year at Quantico, Virginia. Upon his graduation, he proudly served his country as a marine at Camp LeJeune, North Carolina and Camp Pendleton, California, earning the rank of First Lieutenant. Following his service, Merle was employed as a salesperson for Rexall Drugs, and Ortho Pharmaceuticals. He was later in advertising and marketing at Johnson and Johnson, and retired as Director, International Advertising, for The Upjohn (Pzifer) Company. He was given The Upjohn Award for his service to the company in 1985. On September 6, 1986, he was united in marriage to Janith Ann Kruse, who survives, in Kalamazoo, Michigan, Jan and Merle spent many years in instrumental music ministry at Centerpoint Church in Kalamazoo, and as members of the Kalamazoo Concert Band and the West Michigan Concert WINDS. Merle served on the board and as President of the KCB and the WINDS. He was a regular attender of Christ Church in North Muskegon. Merle was preceded in death by his daughter, Diane. He is survived by his three children, Mark (Michelle) McCoy of Pontiac, Michigan, Lynne (Jeff) Baker and Michael (Luz) McCoy of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and nine grandchildren, Connor, Cassidy, Caitlyn, Dillon and Riley McCoy, Zachary, Tyler and Grant Baker, and Sebastian McCoy, and his beloved Labrador retrievers, Oliver and Charlie. Per Merle's wishes, he will be buried at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, Michigan, where a private family service will be held later. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Michigan Concert WINDS.