Carl Joseph McCoun

Carl Joseph McCoun

Carl Joseph McCoun, age 74, died on Wednesday, July 14, 2021, in Billings, Montana, from causes related to stroke. Carl was born in Great Falls, Montana, to Cecil Ray McCoun and Bernice Susan Wagner.

Carl served in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman and was honorably discharged in 1971. After completing his tour of duty with the navy, Carl enrolled at MSUB-Northern and earned a Bachelor of Science in secondary education. He graduated in 1979.

Carl was known for his passion for physical fitness. He loved cross-country running and this was demonstrated by his competitive spirit, which earned him a record in the Montana Marathon in 1965, 1966 and 1967. He set a record for the marathon at 2 hours and 39 minutes.

In 1967 Carl traveled to Boston, where he had the honor of competing in the Boston Marathon. He finished 108 out of 700 entries.

In addition to his passion for physical fitness, Carl loved people. He had a large, warm heart and this was demonstrated by his desire to aid people who were down on their luck. Carl would purchase meals on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day from the Rescue Mission and personally deliver the meals to those in need.

His care and concern for people was demonstrated by his work with those who suffer from addiction and alcohol dependency. Carl chaired the Billings downtown AA meetings and served as a sponsor for those who struggled with addiction. Carl also worked with young adults who struggled with life issues by coaching them in cross-country running and boxing. He made a lasting impression on many Billings youth. He had a passion for mentorship and coaching.

Carl’s latest endeavor was working at the Billings downtown YMCA. He started working at the YMCA in 2006. His first job was working with seniors who struggled with problems related to weight. Carl would walk with his clients and encourage them every step of the way. He would watch them gain confidence and improve and would be there to celebrate those small victories. Carl was loved by the staff, the personal trainers and the clients at the YMCA. He always had a smile and a kind word to all who met him. He was a larger-than-life fixture at the YMCA. He is missed. 

Carl is survived by two brothers, Arthur McCoun of Ft. Benton, Irvin McCoun of Great Falls; and a sister, Irene Strandell of Cascade. He is also survived by his children, Mariah McCoun, Sarah Clayton and Jeremiah McCoun, all of Billings. In addition, Carl is survived by his children, Leslie Franceschi of Maryland and Travis McCoun of Pennsylvania, from his first marriage. There are numerous grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Sunday, July 25, at the Billings YMCA, 402 N. 32nd St. Please enter through the back door.

Please consider a donation to the YMCA in Carl’s honor in lieu of flowers.

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