FORT WORTH, Texas—Marion E. Coy, D.O., who led the Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (TCOM) from 1972-1975, died November 1 at his home in Joshua at the age of 91.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Friday, November 9, in the Atrium at TCOM, now part of the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth. The campus is located at 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. in Fort Worth’s cultural district.

Dr. Coy joined TCOM in 1972 as its executive administrative dean and served as its first president while the college changed from a private medical school to a state institution. He led the college through its formative years, overseeing the education and graduation of its first two classes of osteopathic physicians. When TCOM became a state institution and was placed under the governance of the University of North Texas in 1975, he relinquished the presidency to UNT’s president, C.C. Nolan. From 1975 until his retirement in 1983, Dr. Coy shared his expertise with student physicians as a professor of osteopathic philosophy, principles, and practice.

Dr. Coy received the school’s highest honor, the TCOM Founders Medal, in 1981 and was named its first professor emeritus in 1982.

A 1938 graduate of Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Coy practiced family medicine and anesthiology in Jackson, Tenn., for 34 years before moving to Fort Worth in 1972.

He was a former president of the American Osteopathic Association and the American Association of Osteopathic Examiners. He also served on the National Board of Medical Examiners in Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery for 20 years.

Dr. Coy is survived by Martha, his wife of 66 years, daughter Myra Martin, son Phillip Edmond Coy, daughter Rene Ann Sims, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, as well as numerous colleagues, students, and patients. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the TCOM Foundation at the UNT Health Science Center. Donations may be sent to 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas, 76107.

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