Donald Ray McCoy, 92, of Las Cruces, N.M., died Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. He was born Aug. 2, 1932 in Superior to Otto F. and Pearl E. (Wardrip) McCoy. After graduating from high school, Don joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Camp Zama, Japan. He completed his service and then attended the Minneapolis school of Art, graduating in 1959. He was employed by Burroughs Corporation in Minneapolis. Don went on to take a position with the Central Intelligence Agency in Washington D.C. retiring in 1992. After retiring, he served as a volunteer for the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department and a volunteer archaeologist with the George Washington Fredericksburg Foundation.
On Aug. 28 1965, he married the love of his life, Ila A. Varelmann. They raised two sons, Mark and Scott, while being very active in their community, Aquia Harbor in Stafford, Va. They were involved in producing and performing in the community variety shows for several years. Don and Ila would eventually move to Las Cruces, N.M., in 2004 and became involved with the Mesilla Valley Chorale. Don continued to love music and all areas of art.
Don is survived by his wife, Ila; sons Mark of Leland, N.C. and Scott of Fredericksburg, Va.; two grandchildren, Catie and Connor; and a sister Connie (Dave) Freiermuth of West Des Moines. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard. Memorial plans to be decided.
