John "Jack" McKee

Jack was born on November 27, 1918, to John and Carrie McKee, and was the first of three boys. He is pre-deceased by his parents, his brother Roger, and his beloved wife of 65 years, Ruth. He is survived by his brother Gregory McKee and six nieces and nephews. Jack was a 1937 graduate of Webster Groves High School. He went to Missouri School of Mines in Rolla (now Missouri S&T) and took part in the Army ROTC, graduating in May of 1941. In June of 1941 he was ordered to active duty. Immediately following the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 his company went to Oregon and set up on the beach, preparing for a possible invasion. In 1942-43 Jack went to Alaska with the Army Corps of Engineers to build the Alaska Highway. His letters home describing the project and the living conditions there were broadcast on the radio in St. Louis. In 1944-45 Jack served in Europe, earning a Bronze Star for meritorious service leading the Corps of Engineers in establishing the first Occupational Area in Germany. Upon returning to St. Louis after the war he entered the US Army Reserve where he served until 1964, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. In January of 1946 Jack started working for Wagner Electric Corporation as a Distribution Transformer Design Engineer. He worked at Wagner for 25 years, becoming the Transformer Division Manager, and developing and patenting technology for the manufacture of electric power distribution transformers that is still being used today. In the 1970's and 80's Jack worked for Howard Industries in Laurel, Mississippi, as a consultant, contributing his knowledge and expertise on transformer design and production. In October of 1946 Jack married Ruth Johnson, the younger sister of his childhood best friends, and the sweetheart he exchanged letters with all through the war. In 1947 Ruth's father and brother built the house on Frederick Lane in Glendale that Jack and Ruth lived in together until Ruth's death in 2011. Jack and Ruth were devoted to each other, and were both faithful to and active in their church, Concordia Lutheran in Kirkwood, where Jack was a long-time Monday money counter. They enjoyed sharing their love of golf, Missouri trout fishing, entertaining and travel throughout the years. Golfing with friends at Greenbriar Hills Country Club and traveling to other courses, trout fishing at Rockbridge using Jack's handmade rods and flies, hosting neighborhood and family gatherings at their home and at the club, attending reunions of the 35th Combat Engineers all over the country, and exploring and making new friends while living in Mississippi were all part of the full life they lived together. Jack was also an avid gardener, and in the 1970's became a member of the Jackson & Perkins Rose Research Test Panel for growing and testing new J&P roses. In his terraced backyard he raised over 200 varieties of exquisite roses which he gave to family and friends after evaluating them. In July of 2014 Jack moved to Bethesda Gardens in Kirkwood and began a new chapter. He met Naomi Ollenberger, and she and her family became central to his life and to his heart. He felt blessed to share his last years with Naomi. Since December Jack lived at Parc Provence in Creve Coeur. Jack lived a long and wonderful life, and he will be greatly missed by many. A memorial service will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church, 505 S. Kirkwood Road, on Tuesday April 18, 2017, at 11 AM. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

John "Jack" McKee

November 27, 1918 - March 31, 2017