Kenneth G. McKee

Kenneth G. McKee, Jr., MSgt, USAF (ret), of Odenton MD, formerly of Bowie MD, died on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at the University of Maryland Baltimore Washington Medical Center. Kenneth (Ken) was born January 13, 1931 in Junction City KS to Pearl (Swart) and Kenneth G. McKee Sr. He grew up in Seneca KS and always enjoyed going back to visit where he was still called “Kenny.” In 1951 Ken enlisted in the Air Force and spent his entire career in the United States Air Force Security Service (USAFSS) which took him overseas to Japan (twice), Okinawa, Germany (twice), and Turkey. Stateside he was stationed in San Antonio TX, Grandview MO, Omaha NE, San Angelo TX, and Ft Meade MD, where he retired. He then became a realtor for 20 years in the Bowie-Crofton area and retired a second time in 1998. Ken followed in his father’s footsteps by becoming a “ham” radio operator, which was his hobby for over 60 years. He held various call signs, depending on where he was stationed, but his last and longest was W3RFQ. In January, he contacted his 330th entity, making him eligible for the DXCC Honor Roll. This was his goal. Besides “ham” radio, Ken loved music and always sang in a church choir until it became too difficult for him to stand. Since he could sit to sing, he joined the Bowie Senior Chorale. We will miss his tenor voice.  He enjoyed being with family and friends, old movies, sports (especially Kansas University basketball and Dallas Cowboys football), concerts, history, and travel. He never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. Ken was a member of the Community United Methodist Church (CUMC), Quarter Century Wireless Association (QCWA), ARRL, Elks Lodge, Moose Lodge, VFW, DAV, and was a 32nd Degree Mason and Shriner. Ken was the beloved husband of Marilyn J. McKee; loving father of Cynthia Barnett (Paul) and Stephanie Casey (Patrick); grandfather of Jeffrey Casey, Michael Barnett, Christopher Casey (Shannon), and Allison Phillips (Sean). He is also survived by five great-grandchildren: Madeline, Jocelyn, Cameron, Ryan, and Graham. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Josephine Randle and Dorothy Murphy and brother Jack McKee. Family will receive friends at the family-owned BEALL FUNERAL HOME, 6512 NW Crain Hwy (Rte. 3 South), Bowie MD on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be held at Community United Methodist Church, 1690 Riedel Road, Crofton MD 21114 on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Crownsville Veterans Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to Community United Method Church, noted Ken McKee memory in the memo line.