Everett S McKee

Everett S. McKee, 91, of Cleveland, Ohio peacefully passed away on September 30, 2014 at the Slovene Home for the Aged in Cleveland, Ohio. Mr. McKee was born on January 29, 1923 in the small rural community of Beaver Valley Cambria County, Pennsylvania. The firstborn of Charles Daniel McKee and Gertrude Gates McKee, he was born on the old McKee farm in a blizzard, with the local doctor barely getting there in time to assist in his delivery. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania during the Great Depression, he learned the value of hard work, honesty and integrity, and lived with those principles in mind his entire life. It was here that he also acquired his love of hunting, fishing, gardening and the outdoors. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in March 1942 and was sent to Camp Stewart now Fort Stewart, Georgia for training. He served in the European Theater of Operations in C Battery, 554th Anti-Aircraft Artillery AW BN attached to the 29th Infantry Division. He rose from the rank of private to 1st Sergeant during the war and received the Bronze Medal in the spring of 1945 in Germany. It was obvious that the war had a profound effect on him. He was proud to have served but humble about his achievements and grateful that he was able to come home safely, unlike so many young men who served. After the war, he took advantage of the G.I. Bill and went to trade school to become a lathe operator in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. It was here that he met Eleanor May Blank at a restaurant that he frequented. They were married at the St. Lawrence Catholic Church in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania on May 14, 1949 and soon moved to Cleveland, Ohio where he began working as a lathe operator. Eventually, he worked at Tow Motor Corporation in East Cleveland and later, Caterpillar Corporation. When Caterpillar moved its operation to Mentor, Ohio, the family moved to Eastlake, Ohio where they purchased their first home, living there for over 30 years. He and Eleanor were happily married for 59 years before her death in 2008 and have a large, extended and close-knit family. They are survived by their daughter, Kathryn McKee Davis, her husband, Rick Davis; their sons: Wayne McKee and his wife, Pat Gallagher McKee; Bruce McKee and his wife, Linda Larson McKee; and Russell McKee and his wife, Rosie Cavazos McKee; ten grandchildren: Jessica Davis Nagel and her spouse, Eric Nagel; Sara Davis and her fiancé, Marcus Gopalan; Kristine McKee Noll and her spouse, Brian Noll; Amanda McKee and her spouse, Ben Allen; Alison McKee; Marc McKee; Scott McKee and his spouse, Theresa O'Donnell; Melissa McKee Cox and her spouse, Patrick Cox; and Jacquelynn McKee Autry and her spouse Nic Autry; Christopher McKee, Samantha McKee and Jacob McKee; and one great-grandson, Brendan Everett Nagel. Additionally, Mr. McKee is survived by a brother, Robert McKee and a sister, Clara McKee Zimmers. Two sisters, Alva and Audrey McKee, and one brother, Mervill McKee, predeceased him. Mr. McKee was much beloved by his children and grandchildren. His stories of his childhood and war experiences provided great insight into a life well-lived and are treasured by them. His daily example of personal integrity, providing for his family under difficult circumstances, the love he shared with his wife, Eleanor, and his devotion to family live on in his children, grandchildren and great-grandchild. He truly was one of the "greatest generation" and will be sorely missed. Visitation will be held on Saturday October 4, 2014 from 12 – 3 PM at the Monreal Funeral Home 35400 Curtis Blvd., Eastlake. A Funeral Service will also be on Saturday at 3 PM at the funeral home. Burial to immediately follow at All Souls Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donation, in Everett's honor, be made to the Hospice of the Western Reserve 17876 St Clair Ave Cleveland, OH.

Everett S McKee

January 29, 1923 - September 30, 2014

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