Dennis Lowell McCoy

1953 - 2025

Dennis Lowell McCoy - was born to David Bruce McCoy and Gertrude Marie

(Malm) McCoy on Oct. 30, 1953 in Los Angeles, California. He died and joined his

savior in heaven on March 20, 2025 in his home in Bakersfield, California. His dad

was a Vancouver, Washington farm boy transplanted into the post WWII war era

technological boom in southern California. His mom was an Albin, Wyoming farm

girl studying art when they met and started their family on 34th street. They

eventually moved their family to Garden Grove, California. Dennis had two

brothers; one older and one younger, Galen and Bryan. The three of them were

known as the ‘McCoy wreckin’ crew’. They were joined by a younger sister,

Deanna. The family made many memories going on vacations to visit family in

Washington and Wyoming. Camping was also a favorite family pastime. The three

brothers were known for their science experiments and mechanical prowess;

repairing and rebuilding motorcycles and mini-bikes; converting an old battery

charger into a welder; and manufacturing batteries using sulfuric acid and pop

bottles. Their sister, often the victim of their experiments, miraculously survived

their antics. Later, Dennis and his brothers explored the back roads and trails of

southern California on their mini-bikes and motorcycles.

A graduate of Garden Grove High School, Dennis had an interest in science. The

many trips to the farms that his parents grew up on planted a seed in him that led

to a focus on agricultural science. Dennis attended college in Pomona alongside

his younger brother, Bryan. The two of them would reminisce about the commute with Bryan teasing Dennis about his cautious driving, accusing him of “driving like

an old woman”; something they laughed about throughout life. Dennis completed

a degree in Horticultural Science at Cal Poly, Pomona.

Dennis’s parents were godly Christians who studied the Bible and prayed for their

children. Dennis had a seed planted in his heart and he began a lifelong journey

in the pursuit of holiness through God’s grace. Books by authors such as John

Bunyan, George MacDonald and C.S Lewis inspired him in his walk with God. He attended seminars which helped establish biblical principles to live by. He

enrolled in a Literature Studies course at Biola College. He quit after a semester,

disappointed by the dark and ungodly literature that he had to read as a part of

the coursework. Dennis always emphasized the importance of cultivating a pure

imagination and keeping a clean conscience. This was a tough time in his life. He

questioned the many things he had been taught as a child in the church he was

raised in. He briefly attended Chuck Smith’s Calvary Chapel, learning to identify a

genuine work of the Lord in the heart of a believer. God led him back to the

Baptist tradition of his youth and gave him a renewed appreciation for the

genuine believers that he had grown up with. God used this part of his spiritual

journey to develop in him an ability to discern right from wrong, an attitude of

repentance, and a spirit of strength through humility. These became integral parts

of who Dennis was.

In 1977, an open heart surgery to replace a faulty valve led Dennis to trust God in

a deep way. It also brought new energy for him that led to a lifetime of physical

activity, particularly running. Dennis had other surgeries and procedures on his

heart through the years.

The desire to use science to help farmers led to the pursuit of a master’s degree

of Plant Science at the University of Wyoming. He made deep, lifelong

relationships while in college. One friend (Gary Ogle) had a sister, Carol Sue Ogle.

Dennis took Carol to California to meet his family in the spring of 1979. While out

there, the couple was engaged. They were married August 12, 1979 on Carol’s

parents’ farm in Burns, Wyoming. The wedding was attended by many friends and

family members. They were married at 8:00 on a Sunday morning so that the first

thing they did as a married couple would be to attend church. They returned from

the altar to the recessional song “Thank you Lord”. Finishing the master’s degree, and having their first baby boy (Joel Nathan), and

starting a career in agricultural science took up their first two years’ activities.

Then came another baby boy, Justin Caleb, and a desire to pursue a doctorate

degree in College Station, Texas. A change of program emphasis led the young

family to move back to Wyoming in the fall of 1984. A potential career in

agriculture on the Ogle family farm led to a year in Burns, Wyoming with a

daughter, Krista Faith, born in June of 1985.

The pursuit of a doctorate in plant pathology at UC Riverside led to a subsequent

move to Moreno Valley, California. Four long years of hard work brought the

realization that the university system often values publication and recognition

over honest science. This led to the disappointment of all that work with no

degree. However, Dennis taught his family to trust in God through adversity. It

also solidified a scientific ethic that served Dennis well as he continued to honor

God through sound science; later developing and testing advanced statistics and

theories through his work in almond and pistachio research.

1993 brought a baby girl, Kara Beth, and in 1995 came Anna Sue. A move to

Bakersfield to work for Paramount Farms led Dennis into his dream job. A master

at logic and analogy, a gifted mechanic, and a willingness to do the hard physical labor required, led to many years planning and executing experiments in

agriculture. Accomplishments like a state of the art lab design, an advanced

understanding of statistics, and a desire for clear results led to a career of over 25

years at Paramount Farms - later Wonderful Orchards.

Dennis and Carol home educated their children. Dennis worked to cast a vision

for his children, often encouraging them to pursue what God valued over their

own academic success. As a dad, he was much more concerned with character

development and whether his children had spent personal time with God than if

they had excelled on a math test. Ministry took precedence over earthly

achievements. This emphasis led to all five of his children pursuing career dreams

that are exciting and honor God in real and tangible ways. Church life brought

deep friendships into Dennis’ life. Serving in the church alongside his children

brought joy and satisfaction. Choir practice, deacon ministry, Bible studies, and

hospitality provided an outlet for his wisdom and skills. The arts were an area of

importance to him. When the opportunity came to retire from his science work,

Dennis plunged into his new job as a full time Dad, Grandpa, and husband. He

increased his involvement in his church as well. Mr. Ant stories, essays, poems,

and other pursuits like playing with his grandchildren and others were meant to teach and demonstrate how to have a healthy, godly imagination. The last few

years of his life he spent time managing his resources to assist and encourage his

family and to provide for his wife. He, with his wife, traveled to visit his children

living out of state. All along, Dennis worked to stay healthy and strong for his

family. The day that he went to be with his Savior was unexpected. He left a

legacy not only for his immediate family, but also for his church community.

Dennis is survived by his wife Carol; his children Joel (Nicole), Justin (Rebekah),

Krista, Kara, and Anna McCoy. He left a lasting example of what a godly man is to

his grandchildren: Emily, Ethan, Everett, and Emerson McCoy; and Elsie, Naomi,

Karin, Lena, Phinehas, Caroline, Lynn, Elihu and baby due in June. He is also

survived by his brothers Galen (Kathy) McCoy; Bryan (Venus) McCoy; sister

Deanna (Sam) Peck; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as a loving church

family; and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, with

whom he is now enjoying the presence of his Lord, Jesus.