AS I WATCHED SIX LINES OF CLOTHES FALL TO THE GROUND...........................

It was 1964 and I had just arrived in Venezuela with the boys. After about a month, our shipment arrived and in that shipment was a brand new bronze-colored washing machine! I had been washing all the clothes - including diapers - in the bathtub. My clotheslines were the tree branches and the bushes.

The minute that washer was unloaded and hooked up, I called Warren to tell him that I could really use some clothesline poles. That man sent his best workers to the house to set some poles for me and to string six lines up. I could hang six lines of clothes - was I excited? What do you think?

I watched as they set the poles and strung the lines. When they finished, they told me that I would have to let the cement harden for a couple of days. No problem! On the third day, I washed everything in the house - a few loads. Went outside with my tub of wet clothes and hung them to dry.

As I stood at the kitchen window admiring my wash hanging there in the bright sunshine, one pole started leaning and then the other pole started leaning. As I watched, both poles fell to the ground and took my six lines of clothes down to the dirt!

You should have seen me trying to get the wet clothes off the lines and then try to upright the poles. I scraped up dry cement off the ground and added water and tried to fix everything, but that was a losing battle.

When Warren came home and saw the tub of wet clothes and my face, he didn't have to ask what had happened!

The next day a big truck arrived with more workers - my poles were being set again! This time, they had extensions welded on them and they were sunk soooooooo deep that I just know China was looking at them!

Two days later I hung up six lines of clothes and watched happily as they fluttered in the wind!!

Warren would have done anything for me and he did!

True story by Judy McCoy

Go Kart in front of Carriage Hill

Gomer Don and Barney Mike

The Big Green Frog

The Big Green Frog

Picture it! Venezuela, 1964.


Warren arrived in Cabimas, Venezuela in January of 1964. Someone picked him up from the airport in Maracaibo and they drove to Cabimas. He was dropped off at his "new home" - a one-room apartment over a Chinese restauant. The ceilings were very high and it had the basic furniture in it. He threw his keys on the top of the dresser and the sound of them hitting the wood echoed throughout the room.

It was a dull and dismal room but had clean sheets and towels. Besides, he would not be in that apartment much because he would be working long hours. The first night he went down to the restaurant and ate dinner then back to his room for a shower and to bed. He had "to take a leak" (as he put it) and while he was standing at the toilet doing his business, a huge green sucking frog landed on his chest.

Let your imagination finish this story!

True story - written by Judy McCoy

Warren Weldon McCoy holding his first son, Donald Mack McCoy. 1959

Ursula William Sandridge Schumaker Murphy is standing. Seated are Judy McCoy and her two sons, Donald Mack and baby Michael Ray. Three generations here. Taken in 1964. Ursula passed away in 1986.

Michael Ray McCoy - 1964 - one year old

"Old School" Baseball

Judith (Judy) McCoy pregnant with Donald Mack. Age was 19.

Warren Weldon and Judith Lee with Michael Ray on the way.

Donald Mack and Michael Ray McCoy - Christmas was always a favorite time of the year.

Judith Lee Schumaker Murphy McCoy

Warren Weldon McCoy - a passport photo taken in 1964. Yes, he looks like Robert Mitchem

Michael Ray McCoy at five weeks.

Michael Warren (Rice) McCoy

Michael Ray McCoy played the lead (Deadwood Gulch) in his senior play.

Donald Mack McCoy

Warren and Judy McCoy at a Hippie Party in 1965 - living in Venezuela

Warren Weldon McCoy with Chelsea Lowry. Warren had just been diagnosed with cancer two months before this picture was taken.

Warren and Judy McCoy - taken in Galveston, Texas in 19598

Michael Ray McCoy - still with a sense of humor.

Michael Ray McCoy - yes, the McCoy family has a great sense of humor!!

Michael Ray and Donald Mack McCoy

Donald Mack McCoy - named after his grandfather

Judy (Schumaker, Murphy) Mccoy. In front yard of 1510 Hutchins, Houston, Texas. She lived there with her mother and great grandmother until her mother (Ursula Schumaker) married George Murphy. Judy's biological dad was Lewis Paul Schumaker.

Michael Warren (Rice) - This is Warren and Judy McCoy's grandson!

The Queen or John Wayne?

London, November 4, 1975

While living in London, Warren was working on the BP Forties Field. This was a huge offshore field in the North Sea. He traveled to Scotland a lot for this project. The jacket for the platform had been constructed at a site in Nigg, Scotland. It was a very big deal when that jacket was finished. So big in fact, that the Royal Family attended the float out of the jacket.

Warren sent a helicopter to London to pick me up and fly me to Nigg so I could witness the ceremonies. I remember vividly the buzz of activity that day. The red carpet was laid out at the dock and we awaited the Royal Yacht. When it arrived, Queen Elizabeth and the Duke disembarked in regal style. Anticipating taking some pictures, I took my new Polaroid camera with me. As the Queen began walking down the carpet, I waited until she was very close to me and then I snapped her picture.

The next day an article on the festivities appeared on the front page of the local newspaper and within that article was a sentence about “the American lady who took the Queen’s picture with a Polaroid.” There sure wasn’t anything bashful about me!

After we returned to London, Warren and I went out to eat. We invited one of our friends, Richard Morgan, along. We decided on Trader Vic’s. It was an “in” restaurant at the time. I couldn’t stop talking about seeing the Queen of England.

We were seated and had already ordered when I looked over at the table just behind us and recognized Mel Ferrer. Then I heard this voice. I immediately knew who it was and I elbowed Warren who was talking business with Richard. I told him that I heard John Wayne. He did not really pay any attention to me until John Wayne walked through the door and sat down with Mel. I was about to explode because I wanted to get his autograph. Our meal arrived and I could not eat because I was too interested in John Wayne. Warren told me to let the man have a drink and get settled before I rushed to his side.

Finally! Warren gave me the go-ahead and I approached John Wayne and apologized for bothering him but he told me it was no bother at all. I immediately told him, “I thought seeing the Queen was the highlight of my life until you walked through the door.” He stood up and kissed me on the cheek and took my hand and said, “You’re a damn fine woman.” He then gave me his autograph and I returned to my table.

It is really hard to pay attention to your meal and your husband and friend when you see other people enter and join John Wayne at his table. They were so close that we could hear their conversation.

Half way through our meal, John Wayne got up and came over to our table! Warren was always the cool macho man, but he had always liked and admired John Wayne. Warren immediately told John Wayne that he would be honored if he could shake his hand. John Wayne was sooooooooooo cool! Warren told him that he read the interview that Wayne had done with Playboy Magazine and that he agreed with everything Wayne had said. John Wayne’s response was, “We sure made a few Indians mad that time, didn’t we?” He patted Warren on the back and continued on to where he was going. After a few minutes John Wayne returned to his table, but not without giving us a big smile first.

A true story from Judy McCoy

Norway: Land of Paperbacks and Model Airplanes (1970s)

Norway: Land of Paperbacks and Model Airplanes (1970's)

Norway! I knew it was the land of the midnight sun, Fiords and breath-taking scenery, but I had no idea what lay in store for us. I do not remember the exact year, but it was after London, so it was in the 70s. I believe we moved from London to Norway. Yes, we did, because Warren was still working in London with a transfer to Norway being made. We had our belongings packed up and shipped to Norway.

We did make the initial move together. We found a really nice home overlooking a Fiord. There was a huge room with big glass windows overlooking the Fiord.

We had been told that there was an American school in Bergen, but when we got there, we found that this was not true. To add to my suffering, Warren had been called back to London.

We found out that there was a school in Stavanger, so Warren moved us to Stavanger. I think we put our things in storage. I don’t remember. I do remember we were put up in a company apartment. So, there we were, just Mike and me on our own.

When I went to the school, I was told that they could not take any more students. The only option left was a Norwegian school that was housed in an old prison camp from WWII. You can’t teach an English-speaking kid in an all-Norwegian school!

Back to the apartment we went. There was a television there, but no programs in English. There was no phone and we didn’t have a clue about the language.

Day in and day out, I read paperback books and Mike built model airplanes. This went on for some time and there was no word about when Warren would join us. What to do?

When I made the decision to return to the states, we were out of there in a flash. We made a stopover in London to say goodbye to Warren and we headed for the good ‘ole United States of America!

Told by Judy McCoy

Hello England! (1970)

The year was about 1970 and Warren, the boys and I had moved to England. I was very excited about this because I had read about England for many years and I had always been intrigued by the history. For years I read about King Henry and his wives and I was finally going to see where it all happened.

When we deplaned that morning at Heathrow Airport, I was so excited when I saw the "Bobbies." London was definitely a different world. Warren had arranged for us to stay on Park Row in a company apartment. That street was, and probably still is, very famous. We were across the street from Hyde Park.

We finally found a "flat" on Prince Albert Road. This was on a corner just across the street from Primrose Hill and the zoo. The flat was a two-bedroom. There was a tiny kitchen and a fairly good sized living room. I remember that the washer and dryer was in the kitchen and they were the smallest things I had ever seen. The fridge was small too. Seems that the British do things daily and have no need for "American" sizes.

My first trip to the grocery store was in St. John's Woods, which was a very "high-class and wealthy" part of London. I had bought a "grocery cart with wheels" and I boarded the bus with cart in hand. Oh, what a wonderful place, full of shops and some even had American products. My eye gazed at the "High Class Butcher Shop," and I immediately went in to stock up on meat. Even though the freezer was small, I knew I could get quite a lot of meat in it if I packed it very carefully.

Now, keep in mind that we had just moved from Venezuela where beef was really cheap. There I could get an entire tenderloin for about $3.00 American dollars. When I approached the butcher and began telling him what I wanted, he got a puzzled look on his face, but he did not say anything. I ordered a tenderloin, some ground beef, some steaks and some chicken. When I finished, I clearly remember him asking me, "Would you like this on account, Madam?" Wow! "Why, yes I would," I replied. I gave him our address and he said he would bring the bill around for me to sign when the order was delivered.

I did the rest of my shopping and headed home. When I got there, I began doing some things around the flat. Warren would be home soon and I had to get supper ready. While we were eating, the doorbell rang and Warren answered it. It was my meat order. The delivery guy gave Warren the bill to sign and told him that I had put the order on account and the money would be due by the end of the month.

You should have seen Warren's face when he handed me the bill he had signed. It was about $300.00. So much for the "High Class Butcher." I quickly learned to shop in Camden Town where the "ordinary working folks" shopped.

A favorite Christmas! Warren, Donny and Mike "performing."

Warren McCoy - San Francisco, CA

Warren McCoy at practice. He never could beat "his boys" at video games so one day while he was alone, he got in some practice time!!!

Ahh! A good meal, a great ball game and a great nap. This is Donny McCoy and Warren's beloved dog, Trader.

Judy and Donny McCoy - a favorite picture!

Yes, those are Minnie Mouse ears! This is Michael Ray McCoy - son of Warren and Judy McCoy.

Once a Marine! Taken October, 1998. Warren McCoy and Adam Lowry.

1998. Warren always ironed all of his clothes. Seems I could not do it as well as he could!

Found this in a scrapbook. It looks like Warren was very young when he made this for his Mother. I never thought of Warren as a young child, but this brings it to reality.

Donald Mack McCoy, born 7-21-1911 in Lamar, Oklahoma. Father was George McCoy and Mother was Bertha Ann Woods. George was 23 and Bertha was 18.

Always a clean car! Warren McCoy always kept Judy's care spotless!!

Donny, Warren and Mike McCoy

Warren McCoy - taken in June of 1958. He and Judy married on July 19, 1958.

Warren Weldon McCoy - probably about fourteen or fifteen here.

Warren Weldon McCoy - thirteen years old here. Warren dropped out of school around the eighth grade, but he got his GED when he was twenty-two.

Left to right: Donald Eugene McCoy and Warren Weldon McCoy

Warren Weldon McCoy - looks about 16-18 months here. Taken by Fletcher's Studio in Pampa, Texas.

Donald Mack McCoy and son, Warren Weldon McCoy

Hart Memorial Park, Bakersfield, CA taken on June 28, 1948. Left to right: Donald Mack McCoy, Warren Weldon McCoy - ??

Mike McCoy with Emily and Erin Fashenpour. The Fashenpours are like family to the McCoys.
Taken about ten years ago.

August 2, 1964
Warren was in Venezuela. From a previous letter, you may remember that this was his first time in a foreign country. As years go by, memories of exact dates slip my mind. I thought the boys and I were in Venezuela by this time, but evidently we were not. I will have to dig up my old passport and look at the dates.

Hi Baby,

Well, here it is Saturday. I just finished taking a bath. The water was warm for about four minutes. The sun gets it hot about this time during the day, so this is the only time I get a warm bath. Don't think I will ever be able to take a cold bath and enjoy it.Got a letter from you yesterday, that you wrote on the 3rd. and I got it on the 7th. Four days - that's not bad. It's the one telling me about you getting my check. They must not have taken the $100 out of it that I borrowed when I left. That income tax is not the United States tax, it's the Venezuelan tax. I'll have to pay the U.S. taxes when I get home. Baby, I know that you are doing the best you can with the money, so don't worry about it. Just do whatever you think best. I left you in pretty bad shape. I just don't want you to worry about what I think. I know you're not blowing it. Hell, buy you some clothes if you get a chance. It's your money as much as it is mine. I'm working for all of you, you know. Just do the best you can, that's all anybody can do.That part you wrote in your letter about waiting for me, even 10 years. I liked that, Baby. It means a lot to me, to know that. I would gladly wait for you that long if I had to. I love you and only you. Nobody can change that. You are as much a part of me as my body is itself. I trust you. If I didn't, I wouldn't live with you.Well, I'm going to take a nap now. I'll write some more tomorrow. Can't mail this until Monday anyway.Sunday. Well, I talked to you yesterday. It made me feel real good to hear your voice. Darling, it won't be too long. I don't ever want to be away from you again. Anytime you feel like calling, do so. It might help make the time go a little faster. Just don't worry about me and I'll be home before you know it.Here's something you can try for Mike's asthma. Go buy a full-blooded Chiuaua puppy. I know it's misspelled, you know a dog like Momma's. It's got to be full-blooded. Make it sleep with Mike and be around him all the time. Constantly. I mean sleep with him all the time. Make it learn to be around him on its own. It has been proven that this will take the asthma away. So try it. If it doesn't work, we've got ourselves a dog Okay?Well, Darling, I'm gonna go eat now, so I'll close. Kiss the boys for me and I wish I could kiss you. I love you with all my heart. Just remember that. I love you, I love you.

Love you all the way, Warren

November 22, 1959
We had moved to Louisiana and Warren made a trip to Houston for work. He wrote this letter while staying at the Rice Hotel.

Hi Baby,
Well, here I am in Houston. The train got in at 12:05 and I reached here about 7:30. I've called everybody I know, but nobody's home, except Rodney. His wife had her baby Friday. It was a boy. I just got back from seeing it. Cute little thing.Do you know I forgot my cuff links and other things? Guess I'll buy some more. Baby, I sure love you and miss you already. More than I do when I go to work. No matter what I do or say, I'll always love you. Remember that.Well, I guess I'll close for now, honey. I'll be seeing you soon. This is not much of a letter, but I can't think of anything more to write about.

With all my love, Warren

May 19, 1964
Warren wrote the following letter on May 19, 1964. He was in Venezuela and the boys and I were in Pasadena, Texas at 2411 Rosemead.

Hi Baby,

Well, it won't be long now. The last of this month or the first of next month. It will probably be the first of June. They are having trouble with some pipe and testing. Anyway, it won't be long. As soon as I find out, I will wire you.Boy, that damn phone call made me mad. I was yelling as lound as I could and that's pretty loud and you still couldn't hear me. Guess that's the way it goes.Just got back from eating. That's really getting old. Same stuff all the time. It never changes. I've eaten everything on the menu.Glad the boys are doing fine. Hope they know me when I get back. You know, five months is a long time in a little boys mind.I'm having a hard time writing this letter. I'm very depressed and lonely. I can't get you out of my mind, Darling. I love you very much. That will never change. When I get home we are going some place all by ourselves - not around the house either. We have a lot to make up for. I wish I could make the time go faster. I can hardly wait. I know one thing - I've been gone too long, but never again. If something was to happen that you couldn't come back with me, I just wouldn't go. It's that simple. I'm not ever going to leave you again. I love you and the boys too much. In fact, I don't think you'd let me go. One thing for sure - I wouldn't. All I can think of is that I love you, but I'll be showing you soon.Well, that's about all for now, so I'll close with you on my mind. I know it is short. I'll be glad when I don't have towrite anymore, won't you. Kiss the boys for me. I love you, Baby. Good night and off to bed I go.

With all my love, all the way. Warren

January 9, 1964

I have put the letters from Venezuela in order of the dates written. The following letter was written on January 9, 1964. Warren had only been in Cabimas a few days when he wrote this letter.

Hi Baby,

Well, I've worked four days now and believe me I've got a big job ahead of me. So far I have four men working for me. One of them is my "caporal" which is a foreman. I am going to have quite a few more a little later. By the way, your old man is the instrument foreman. How about that? I have every bit of the instrumentation on the job and it's got more instruments than what we had at Diamond. So wish me luck. Are you proud of me? First time, you know. Daddy is one of the pipe foremans, but my job is a whole lot bigger and I'll have more men.I sure miss you, Baby. If you only knew how much. I miss you and the boys. I knew someday I would need somebody and that somebody is you. I love you very much.They can say what they want to about the United States, but it's the best place there is. I don't do anything but eat, sleep and work. I haven't put on any dress clothes since I've been here. Don't even need them, but I didn't know.It takes about 30 minutes by boat to get to the platform. I leave at 6:30 a.m. and am at work at 7:00 a.m. I leave work at 4:00 p.m.Well, Baby, doggone it. I can't think of anything else to tell you except how much I love you and that could go on forever. So I'll close for now loving you very much. I think you know that. I'm going to write Donny a little letter, so I will close for now.

Loving you always. Warren

January 12, 1964
You can tell from this letter that Warren is really experiencing something new.

Hi Baby, Donny & Mike,

Here I am again. Just returned from the movies. Now that's something you ought to see. You sit outside on old wooden chairs. They are mostly American, but they have Spanish writing all over the screen. There's something the matter with the sound so you don't hear very much and film breaks every now and then. Really first class! Oh, and another thing, it cost 3 Bs to get in (67 1/2 cents). And there's a guy that walks around hollering snow cones and another hollering hot tamales. The people around here let their kids run all over the place naked as a jay bird. They have no windows in their shacks and no furniture. They sleep in hammocks. That is, most of them. You just couldn't believe it. Do you know what the cheapest thing here is? Medicine! Yesterday I got a shot and some pills (I have a terrible head cold) and it cost me 6.75 Bs, which is about $2.00. I got the shot and the pills at the drug store. Damnest place I have ever seen.How are my boys? Kiss them right now for me. Sure miss having them around, not to mention you. Sure hope you all are alright. You be sure to write because all I can think about is how much I love you and need you. They'll never take that away.The job here is doing fine, but it's not easy. I have a lot of things to keep up with. This is really good experience for me and I am a foreman, but I miss you. You are worth more than any old job. You and the boys make everything worthwhile.Well, it's after 10:00 and 5:00 comes quickly, so I'll close for now.Honey, I love you and only you and I think about you all the time. Everyday I run to see if I have a letter, but I haven't gotten one yet. Well, goodnite Baby. I love you very much. Tell everyone hello.

Love you always. Warren

January 5, 1964

Warren had just arrived in Cabimas, Venezuela. This is his first writing about it.

Hi Baby, Donny & Mike,

I just found your note. I did'nt think I would hear from you so soon. (Note from Judy: I had hidden a note in his things in his suitcase telling him that we loved him).Well, here I am in Venezuela. The plane was two hours late and it took an hour and a half to go through customs. I finally got in bed at 3:00 a.m. this morning. We are 35 miles from Maracaibo at a place called Cabimas. The rooms are fair and air conditioned, the food is good, but the town is very, very dirty and so is most everything else. I have no hot water whatsoever, so I take cold showers from now on. I can't understand anything I hear so I am completely lost and feel out of place, which I am. I can't tell you about the job until after tomorrow. I think I am going to have a hard time getting comfortable, wouldn't you say so?We went to a chicken fight today, but I didn't find it very interesting. Rather sickening, I'd say.Tell Benjie that all of the Pontiacs have Chevrolet "6" s engines in them down here.Baby, I don't know a thing more to write about right now, so I'm gonna close. You haven't been out of my mind since I left you. I love you oh so much and miss you, but this is the way it has to be for now. I hope you understand what I'm trying to do. Tell both of my boys that I love and miss them very much and kiss them for me.Well, that is about it for now. I'll close loving and missing you. Remember you're the closest thing to me and that's the way it will always be.

With all my love, Warren.

January 14, 1964

A short letter from Warren

Hi Baby,This is going to be short because I am going to give it to Charlie Martin and he will mail it tomorrow night in the States, so you should get it real soon.I'm sending you a card with a telephone number on it and the place where I'm staying and whre I eat. The best time to call is Saturday about noon, which will be 10:30 a.m. there. So if you get this letter in time, call me Saturday the 18th and if not, call me the next Saturday. That is, if it doesn't cost too much.I just wrote you a letter last night, so I don't have much to say, except that I love you an awful lot and miss you. I'll close now and look forward to your call. Kiss my boys for me and tell them Daddy loves and misses them.

With love always, Warren

January 19, 1964

Warren is having a hard time adjusting to life in Venezuela. He went there for only one reason and that was to make a better life for his family.

Hi Baby,Well, I talked to you today and it sure helped. I waited Saturday from 12:00 until 4:00 p.m. I had just left to go get some soap for my shirts and when I returned they told me you had called and would call again at 7:00, so I waited from 6:30 till they closed at midnight. I know it's a problem to connect down here, but I am sure glad you kept trying.Honey, I miss you more than you know. I am so unhappy. I stay a gripe all the time. I just love you so much, that's all. It was silly for me to think it wouldn't be hard, but for me it is - very much so. I'm lonely. I don't feel good. You mean everything in the world to me and don't forget it. I don't think life would be much without you.Well, tomorrow is another work day, which I don't look forward to, so I'm going to close for now. Tell Donny and Mike that Daddy misses them very much and loves them a lot.Try to write every day, because I need them very much and I'll write as often as I can even if it is just a little.I'll close now thinking of you and loving you with all my heart. Goodnight Baby.

Love you always. Warren

January 23, 1964

Warren's Dad was in Venezuela with him for a very short time. Warren really missed his family and especially me. I was very lucky to have had this man. In reading this letter again, it seems that there must have been something between us before he left that caused me to apologize to him for being cold to him. Absence does make the heart grow fonder and the past is just that - the past.

Hi Baby,
I just read your letter you wrote on the 17th, the one Donny dictated to you. I thought that was cute. Tell him I will write him another one this weekend. You said in your letter that you hoped I wouldn't get tired of you telling me how much you love me. Well, when you stop, I will be very upset. I love to hear it, so you just keep it up. OK?I didn't write last night because I was out of paper. Daddy didn't bring any so he has been using mine and that's why I ran out so fast. I'm like you, the more I write, the closer you seem to me. So, I'll try to write very often. Sometimes I am pretty tired and when I write I make mistake after mistake. It's awfully hot here during the day and I'm pooped when I come in, so please bear with me if I miss one or two. It's not because I'm not thinking about you. Just tired.Darling, my love for you is very strong. It always has been and always will be. As far as you being cold to me, forget it. Maybe I deserved it. Anyway, it is in the past. You know, I was pretty bad sometimes myself. So I figure I got what was coming to me. The main thing is a fact - we love each other and that's what counts. When I say love, I really mean love. Boy! I love you. I'll put my arms around you and love you to death, you'll see. Anytime you think I don't, ask me. You really make my world go around. You're with me night and day, where ever I go. I think it's just wonderful loving you the way I do. Remember what I said a long time ago - all the way or none at all. That's the way it is.There's really nothing to write about. I'm doing pretty good on the job, which brings me to something else. I'll never go on another overseas job without you. You can bet on that. It's not fair for either of us or the kids, so we might as well plan on buying you some suitcases. Does that sound alright with you? It's a promise.Well, I'm going to close now, but I'll be thinking of you just the same. Kiss the boys for me and tell everybody hello. Tell Mama and your folks I send my love. I love you deeply, Darl.ing.
Goodnight for tonight.Love you all the way, Warren

January 26, 1964

Warren went through a lot for his family. He was always a good provider and did whatever was necessary to make a good life for his family.

Hi Baby,Well, here it is Sunday. It sure is hot today and I'm bored sick. I'm lonely and I miss you very much. I sure wish you were here. It would probably be better if I worked seven days a week.There isn't much that's happened since I wrote last, in fact, nothing has happened. Life is very slow here. I'm even getting tired of talking to the other men around here. Do you know that Daddy and I don't have anything in common. He sure misses Mama a lot. Don't think she will be able to come down here, because there isn't anyplace to live. Don't say anything about it to here because there might be a small chance. But if she happens to get to, it will cost them a lot of money.How are the boys doing? I sure miss them. I was really beginning to enjoy them. I keep telling myself it won't be long, but it sure seems like it. Kiss them for me. Tell them Daddy will be home soon.I'm writing this letter even though I am in a bad mood. I haven't felt very good this weekend. Kind of droopy. All I can think about is you and wish I could come home. I love you very much. Daddy just told me to tell you, Donny and Mike hello and that he loves all of you.Baby, if only I could put into words how much I love you, I would be writing from now on. I don't think a minute goes by without me thinking of you. I think you know how much I love you. If you don't, you don't know what you're missing. You mean everything to me. It makes me feel good all over when I think of how much I love you. If only you were here. I would take you in my arms and make love to you like never before. I can close my eyes right now and feel your body against mine. You're mine, Baby. All mine. You're one thing I am very selfish with. My life is your life. I'm going to make you the best husband a girl ever had. I love you, that's what it really comes down to - just love.Well, I'm going to close now. I've got to bathe and shave for tomorrow and get my laundry ready. The shaver works just fine. I've almost got my beard trained. Well, goodnight Darling. I love you with all my heart. I will be thinking of you all the time, so listen for it.With all my love, Warren

February 2, 1981
I found the following poem that I had written among the letters from Warren. He always saved things that meant a lot to him. I remember writing this poem. I was living at 410 Lincoln Street in Deer Park, Texas and Warren was in San Francisco working.

How do I tell you about the life that you've given to me?
The year was nineteen hundred and fifty eight; twenty years and three.

You came into my life as my only blind date.
Before the love began, there was a tiny bit of hate.

You got your life in order and cleared a path for me.
You called me and courted me for all the world to see.

You were a bit smug and grown up too, walking very tall.
I was a bit afraid of you, but the hate faded to none at all.

You asked me one night on that lonely sandy beach to marry you,
And it wasn't long after that I heard myself saying, "I do."

That was the beginning of our life together, just you and me.
Little did we know that a year later, Donny would make three.

It wasn't easy and wouldn't be for a long time to come.
I don't really think we knew what we had done.

We got our first "home" at number forty Glover Street,
And the arguments came in love and in heat.

The problems we had and the tears we cried,
But through it all, we always tried.

A few years passed with memories here and there,
But our problems sure made the memories hard to bear.

In nineteen hundred and sixty three, very late at night,
Along came Mike and we asked, "Are we doing it right?"

We grew up together fighting and loving, you and I.
There were many times when we both would cry.

The years passed, sometimes slowly, but always together.
We had a lot of things that alone we would weather.

Each year brought us closer and helped us to see
That together our life was growing like a giant oak tree.

Through all those years, one by one, I loved you more than you would ever know.
We've built a life for ourselves and our boys that can only grow.

Just knowing you are with me, here or away,
Is what makes my life worth living day by day.

I've come to love you, honor you and cherish you too.
It's been such a long, long time since we said, "I do."

Those wedding vows, to me, weren't very real those many years ago.
Only as the time passes do I really know

That you are my life and I'll always love you
And thank you for being you and doing all that you do.

All my love, all the way. Me

The Marriage Proposal
The poem I wrote Warren mentioned how he proposed to me on that sandy beach. That sandy beach was in Galveston, Texas. We were on a plaid blanket on the beach on a moonlit night. I still have that blanket in a chest. We were young and so much in love and marriage seemed the thing to do at the time. We didn't stop to think how we would live or how we would be able to buy the things we needed, much less the responsibilities of a marriage. We just knew that we loved each other and wanted to be together.We did not make any definite plans at the time. The "wedding plans" were born on Friday night, the 18th of July in 1958. We were at the Ranger Drive Inn in Houston. I remember Warren asking me what I wanted to do the following night. I told him I didn't know and that it was up to him. The next thing I knew, he had a coin in his hand and told me that we would flip the coin to decide what we would do on Saturday night - heads, we would go to a movie and tails, we would get married. Tails, it was!The details escape me after these many years, but I do remember going to Gordon's Jewelers on Saturday morning and buying a wedding ring. We charged that ring because we didn't have the money to pay for it. It was a band with diamonds on it. (We later returned the ring. Not because we didn't want it, but because we could not afford to make the payments.)We told my Mom that we were going to the Balinese Room in Galveston that night and that I would be spending the night with a girlfriend and wouldn't be home. (Of course, I had to tell her which girlfriend, but I can't remember.)I put on my prettiest dress that Saturday evening and Warren picked me up at the house. We drove to Richmond to get married. I don't remember getting a license or a blood test, but I remember standing in a room with a Justice of the Peace. I don't remember the exact words that were said. I do remember that when the ceremony was over, the JP pulled out some sort of a toy - a mechanical toy of a little boy and a potty chair. The little boy would sit on the potty chair. He told us that he hoped we were lucky enough to have a child that would get on a potty chair. Good grief!!We headed back to Houston. We were coming in on Old Spanish Trail and were looking for a cheap place to spend our wedding night. We found one - the Kings Motel. The neon flashed, "$6.00 a night and TV included." Who could pass up a deal like that?(Oh, a memory just walked across my mind. One of my best friends was Anita Williams and she was going with Jerry Grizzle. Warren was good friends with Jerry and it was Jerry that introduced me to Warren. Warren was the blind date I had which is another story that I will tell later. You know, I think Anita and Jerry were with us when we got married, but I cannot remember for sure).Sunday morning we called my folks to tell them we had gotten married. I remember that Mom answered the phone and I asked to speak to Daddy. Well, she knew then that something was wrong, because I never asked to speak to him. I told him that Warren and I had gotten married and he told me to get my ____ home. I remember that we stopped at a drive inn on the way to my house and Warren bought a couple of beers. Needless to say, he drank the beers before we hit my house. Mom asked me why we did that. She said she liked Warren and we were both "of age" and there was no reason to elope. We didn't have an answer for her. I gathered some of my things and told them that we would get the rest of them when we got settled. There was no anger, just shock.Jerry's parents had a garage apartment that was vacant and that was where we would be living. The address was 40 Glover Street in Houston, Texas and we would be paying $40.00 a month. Warren made about $75-80 a week and one check was all we had. Surviving would be the word to describe our first year at 40 Glover Street, but that's another story.

January 28, 1964
Warren was 27 years old and we would be married 5 years in July of 1964. As I sit here putting this letter on my blog, the tears come.........

Hello Slave,So, they called you back to work. Well, it might make the time go faster. If it does, that's good. But don't try to work too much and if they give you any stuff, tell them where to go with their old job. How long will it be for? It might help us these first couple of months.Just got off work, came home (if you can call this home), took a cold shower, read your letter and decided I would write a bit before I go to eat. Don't have much to say, but I'm writing anyway. Just because I love you.Don't know why Momma hasn't received more letters. Daddy writes practically every time I do. She'll probably get them all at once.You tell Donny not to cry because I'll be home very soon. Tell him I love and miss him.Baby, I'm getting a little hungry so I'll close for now. Maybe something will hapen while I'm eating and I'll have something to write about other than how much I love you and that could go on forever. Back later -It's later now, got my stomach full. Didn't help much because I still miss you. I think about you all the time. I get a big lump in my throat sometimes thinking about you. I love you so much. You don't need to worry about me. I'm all yours and I'll be coming straight to you when I finish this mess. We've got some living coming to us. I'm gonna treat you like you've never been trated before. You are the only one for me Baby. I mean everything I say.Well, I guess I'll close for now and get ready for bed. Might go get a glass of milk or something. I sure miss raiding the ice box at night. This place is like a prison, but the pay is better. I'll go now and I will try to write again tomorrow. Kiss my boys and tell them I love and miss them. Goodnight Baby. I'll be dreaming of you.Love You All The Way, Warren

January 29, 1964
How do I feel when I read these letters? The memories come rushing back and the emotions I feel cannot be described. To be loved like Warren loved me is a once in a lifetime thing. He always did whatever it took to take care of his family.

Hello Baby,Got your letter today that you wrote Sunday. The one with Donny's letter in it. I think he needs more practice on the typewriter. It was real cute.You asked about Daddy - yes, he is getting homesick and I think he wants to come home, but just what he will do - I don't know. Don't say anything to Momma about what I said. That is their business. I don't think Daddy will stay the full time.Darling, I understand what you meant about me staying here till the job is done. I can't afford to come home. As long as I know you love me, I'll stay. I want to get those cotton-picking bills paid, so we can all have something and enjoy each other. I think it is best to finish. I't won't be too long. I just miss you a lot. Just you remember that you are my whole life and I'll be coming back to you. I want you and I need you, but we will just have to tough it out. OK?Well, how are things going with you? Does working make the time go faster? Hope so. How are the boys doing? Is the car running alright? Tell everyone hello for me and that I will write first chance I get.Baby, I love you. It's just like a shot in the arm every time I get a letter from you. Don't tell nobody, but I kiss them when I read them. Just crazy about you, I guess.Well, got to get my laundry gathered up for them for in the morning, so I will close loving you, missing you, wanting you and thinking of you always. Kiss my boys. Tell them I love them. Goodnight, Darling.Love you always, Warren

Warren McCoy's death:
Who knew back in the late '50s and early '60s that asbestos would cause cancer? There were people who knew this, but we didn't. It was proven in the 1940s that asbestos caused cancer. What a secret to keep! Warren worked in construction all of his life, but the early years from 1953 until 1964, he worked with asbestos. He was a pipefitter, a pipefitter's helper, a welder, an instrument fitter - you name it and he did it. Asbestos blankets were used all the time for protection from the welding sparks. It was used in numerous ways in construction.It takes 20-30 years after exposure before mesothelioma can be diagnosed. Warren was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July of 1997 and he lived twenty-one months, dying in March of 1999. He was 62 years old. Someday I will write of those twenty-one months. I kept a journal and wrote in it every day. I kept a record of his doctor visits, his medications, his pain and his tears, but that is for another time.

Gene McCoy on left and Warren McCoy on right.

Warren in wagon and his brother, (Donald Eugene McCoy) Gene is on the scooter.