|
Retired Sergeant
Major Ken McCoy
Retired Sergeant Major Ken McCoy passed away very early the morning of
January 11, 2018, at Kettering Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio. He was
born September 17, 1946, in Ironton, Ohio, to John E. and Mary Jean
(Volgares) McCoy.
SGM McCoy joined the Ohio State University Marching Band staff in the
fall of 1995. Before joining TBDBITL, he had an illustrious career as
the Chief Arranger for the world-renowned United States Army Field Band
and Soldiers Chorus in Washington, D.C. By virtue of the Field Band’s
mission, McCoy’s arrangements and compositions have been performed in
all 50 states and around the world. The Field Band is still performing
some of McCoy’s works today, decades after they were first commissioned.
A native of the Buckeye State, McCoy was born and raised in Ironton and
graduated from Greenville (Ohio) High School.
McCoy attended Bowling Green State University where he studied music
arranging. He eventually transferred to The University of North Texas
(North Texas State) from which he earned his degree in Music Education.
While at North Texas, McCoy was fortunate enough to play trumpet in the
famous One ‘O Clock Jazz Lab Band. He also played trumpet, electric
base, and arranged for the Les Elgart Orchestra during that period. He
returned to Ohio upon his 1973 graduation to begin teaching
instrumental music in Greenville and Versailles before accepting an
arranging position with the United States Army Field Band in early 1977.
One of the high points of McCoy’s Field Band career was the premier of
his original composition, “We the People,” at the Kennedy Center for
the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. on September 17, 1987. This
performance commemorated the 200th anniversary of the United States
Constitution.
The first show McCoy arranged for the OSUMB was a patriotic show for
the Illinois game in 1995. Since that time, he has arranged at least
one full half time show per year for the band culminating with his 23rd
show in 2017, a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Sergeant
Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band.
The OSUMB students have honored McCoy by choosing his shows for
performances at two Sugar Bowls, one Outback Bowl, and an Alamo Bowl.
Ken was especially proud of his collaboration in the production of the
OSUMB Christmas CD, “The Glorious Sounds of Christmas.”
In the fall of 1997, Dr. Jon Woods, then-director of the band,
requested McCoy to arrange a warm-up/ear-training piece; his
arrangement of “The Navy Hymn/ Eternal Father, Strong to Save” was the
result. It has been used by the OSUMB as an opening piece at Skull
Sessions and concerts. Ken once stated, “I don’t think either of us
expected that simple piece to have enjoyed the life it has had. It has
earned a special place in OSUMB lore, and for that I will be forever
grateful…”
Ken was pre-deceased by his parents, grandparents, and numerous friends
and fellow musicians.
Left to cherish Ken’s memory and influence are his beloved and devoted
wife, Brenda (Paulus) McCoy; son Kevin (Ann) McCoy of Baltimore, MD;
step-daughter Abby Francis of Indianapolis, IN; sister, Judy (Greg)
Gerlach of Lexington, KY; Brenda’s son, Matthew Griswold of Cuyahoga
Falls, OH; parents-in-law Jerry and Rosemary Paulus of
Versailles, OH; beloved grandchildren Madisyn, Trey, and Reagan
McCoy; a special step-grandson, Owen Griswold; special brothers and
sisters-in-law David (Maria) Paulus of Houston, TX; Dan (Sue) Paulus of
Minster, OH; Bob (Jenni) Paulus of Versailles, OH; Ann (Greg) Forbes of
Grand Rapids, MI; Andy (Lisa) Paulus of Versailles, OH; Diane (Chris)
Heeter of Dayton, OH; Susan (Mark) Clack of Versailles, OH, and
numerous truly beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins, and a special
uncle, Bob McCoy.
A celebration of Ken’s life will take place on Friday, January 19, at
Memorial Hall, 215 West 4th Street, Greenville, OH. Visitation will
take place from 10-1 at Memorial Hall with the service immediately
following. Burial will follow in the St. Mary’s Catholic
Cemetery, Greenville, Ohio, with the United States Army Honor Guard
conducting a graveside military service. Arrangements are under
the direction of Zechar Bailey Funeral Home, Greenville, Ohio.
Memorial gifts in Ken’s name may be made to either TBDBITL Alumni Club
of the Ohio State University Marching Band or St. Mary’s Catholic
School in Greenville.
Condolences for the family may be expressed through www.zecharbailey.com
|
