Maurice Earl McCoy, 79, of Grand Rapids, passed away peacefully at his home on December 6, 2020.

Maurice was born on May 18, 1941 in LaGrange, Indiana, to John and Mary (Young) McCoy.

He grew up on the family farm in LaGrange. (Later in life, Maurice was given the title "Indiana farm boy" by his brother-in-law in England - a title that was meant as a sign of approval, a good man!)

After graduating from LaGrange High School, Maurice graduated from Wabash College, then later received his master's degree in chemistry from the University of Notre Dame. He served in the army until 1969 and then went to work as a chemist at Miles Laboratories in Elkhart, Indiana, where he married his first wife, Jackie Frazier, and they had four sons. His family later grew when he married Mary Schmitz in 1993 and added three of the best stepchildren ever. He felt so blessed with such a wonderful family.

Maurice loved music, especially singing. From the Glee Club at Wabash College to the church choirs at all the churches he attended, to Lake Michigan College choir, music was one of his greatest passions. He also loved nature, especially star gazing, birdwatching, and hiking and camping in state and national parks.

Although he started out as a chemist in a laboratory, he found his true calling in teaching, especially at Lake Michigan College in Benton Harbor, Michigan. He proudly told stories of how he could instill a love of chemistry in even the most fearsome of students. He was a favorite teacher of many.



After marrying Mary, Maurice and she began traveling the world, visiting many countries from Israel to New Zealand. One of his interests was researching and visiting his Celtic heritage in Scotland, Ireland and Wales. He loved music, teaching and traveling, all great hobbies for Maurice, but his greatest joy started when he became a grandfather (Papa). And that is what he truly excelled at! First Asher, then Banon, next sweet Olive and Max (who tried to teach him Portuguese). Then came beautiful Eliza, who stole what was left of his heart (except there was still room for the new grandchild he didn't get to meet yet).

Maurice is survived by his beloved wife Mary; sons Mark (David), Matt (Brian Talley), A.J. (Meredith Deaton) and Seth (Heather); stepchildren David (Cassie), Andy (Carolina Moraes), and Sara Schmitz; grandchildren Eliza Rosemary McCoy, and Max, Olive, Banon, and Asher Schmitz; as well as his brothers John (Marti), Chuck and Henry (Caroline); and his sister Harriet Plutz, together with many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He loved his family so much.

There will be a Zoom memorial service held Friday, December 18 at 7pm. Memorials can be made to the outreach board at Plymouth United Church of Christ, Kalamazoo Ave., Grand Rapids, to be used to serve others in need as Maurice loved to do.