November 10 2019: McKEE, Donald M.

DONALD M. McKEE

Donald Monroe McKee, passed away peacefully on 2 November 2019 at Washington Adventist Hospital, just 2 days short of his 96th birthday.

McKee, was born on 4 November 1923. A native of Kalamazoo MI, he originally intended to become an engineer and enrolled in the University of Michigan. In 1943 he set these plans aside to serve his country, relinquishing his college deferment, in order to be drafted.  McKee landed on Omaha Beach on June 7, 1944 with the 29th Division, E Company, 175th Infantry Regiment.  He was 20 years old, an army medic, who vividly remembers his service.

During his three months in Normandy, McKee received two Purple Hearts. He was injured by a mortar blast as the 29th Division headed towards Saint-Lô.  As the division continued on to Brest, McKee was again hit by a mortar blast.  This time he was evacuated to a hospital in Cardiff, Wales for several months of recuperation.

In mid-December 1944, he was returned to limited service and sent to an Army post office unit near Paris.  As the war in Europe drew to a close, McKee was redeployed to the Pacific Theater arriving in the Philippines just as the war was ending. He returned to the US in December 1945 and took up his studies at the University of Michigan, earning a degree in chemical engineering and working as an environmental engineer for 38 years.  In 1948, he married Virginia Helm.

In retirement, McKee became active with the 29th Division Association and served as National Commander during the 50th Anniversary commemorations in Normandy.  McKee worked to support D-Day preservation memorials not only in Normandy but, also in Annapolis MD and Bedford VA.

McKee spent many years working to publish the Twenty-Niner, the official publication of the 29th Division Association, Inc. Don became the editor until 2013.  Don was always very passionate about the Association, had endless energy and, as anyone who knew him might say, was not short on words when speaking publicly.  Members of the 29th Division have said to have had many happy memories of being around him especially when he was doing what he loved to do – which was to represent the 29th and the Association.”

McKee was civic minded and served in leadership positions in several other organizations including being the President of his neighborhood Home Owners Association for several years.  He was very active as an auctioneer in a Silver Spring coin club and even as a presenter of a Military History and Veteran’s Discussion Group.  McKee cared for people and was always willing and interested in helping others.

His beloved Virginia predeceased him in January of 2007, they had no children.  McKee was also preceded in death by his brother, Robert and his parents, Allen and Julia.  He is survived by several nieces and a nephew. McKee was blessed to have a wonderful friends and neighbors.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd West, Silver Spring, MD, (Valet Parking),Friday, Nov 15th, from 7 to 9 pm, and Saturday, Nov 16th, 12 to 1pm, where a Funeral Service will be held at 1pm. Interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The 29th Division Assoc, National HQ’s, 5 Shore Dr, N East MD 21901-3327

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