Thomas Wayne McCoy (Tom) died in Lawrence, KS on April 19, 2018 at the age of 82. Tom is survived by his wife of 25 years, Linda and daughters Cathy (children Nils and Grace), Hally (husband Ken and daughter Fiona), Sam (husband Adam and sons Kendall and Porter), Aimee (husband Bret and son Dexter) and his brother Theodore Neal, M.D. (wife Judy and son Miller). He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph Wayne and Catherine (Creveling) McCoy, his cousin Neal S. McCoy and nephew Neal McCoy.
Tom was born on April 4, 1936 in Lawrence, KS, grew up in Topeka and graduated from Topeka High School in the Class of 1954. He attended the University of Kansas where he was a member of Beta Theta Pi, transferred to the University of Illinois where he graduated with a degree in Architecture in 1959. He practiced architecture in Kansas City, moved to England to continue his career and attend the Royal Academy in Copenhagen on a Fulbright scholarship. After returning to Kansas City in 1968, he worked for Kivett & Myers and later, in 1972, started his own firm of McCoy Hutchison Stone with Stuart Hutchison and Terrence Stone. This same year, Tom began teaching at the University of Kansas. His KU teaching career continued for the next 28 years. Tom was a proud member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Tom initiated the Green Architecture course at KU where careful consideration is given to appropriate land use and orientation, efficient use of resources, health issues, and construction and operation economy. One of Tom’s greatest joys was spending time with his beloved family and sharing with them his love of nature, whether camping, fishing, especially in Colorado, or spending time at the McCoy cattle ranch in Cedar Vale where his father was born and raised. His other great love was found in art, in particular drawing and painting, which was a lifelong passion. Tom shared this passion generously with his children and the students who were fortunate to take his design classes. Tom’s unique and ever-present sense of humor was another gift he shared with all throughout his life.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1011 Vermont in Lawrence, with a reception to follow. A private burial will be held prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Tom’s honor may be made to KU Endowment for the Griffin McCoy Scholarship Fund, PO Box 928, Lawrence, KS 66044 or 785-832-7343.