Everett W. McKee, age 93, passed away at home in Hart, Michigan, on September 1, 2026, surrounded by family. He was born May 12, 1933, in Santa Fe, Tennessee, to the late Edgar and Sarah (Cotton) McKee.
Everett’s family moved to Michigan, where he was raised on North Manitou Island from ages 4-9 and later lived in the Muskegon area, where he graduated from Muskegon Heights High School. He then completed a bachelor’s degree at Western Michigan University. After he enlisted and served his country in the United States Army, he attained his private pilot’s license under the Korean War GI Bill. He worked as a test lab technician at Brunswick in Muskegon and Kalamazoo. After moving to Kalamazoo, Everett married Margaret Kencke on June 10, 1967. Everett again attended WMU, where he earned his teaching certificate and master’s degree and taught at Woodland Elementary School in Portage until his retirement. In 1999, he and Margaret moved to Hart.
Everett enjoyed sailing and cruising in the North Channel of Lake Huron and various sports, including fast pitch softball and alpine skiing, in North America and Europe. He was passionate about traveling the world, often embarking on impulsive and spontaneous adventures.
Everett is survived by his wife of 59 years, Margaret (Kencke) McKee; brother David (Connie) McKee; brothers- and sisters-in-law Doug (Alice) Fuller, Don (Judy) Kencke, and Sarah (Lou) Cramer; nieces and nephews Adam McKee, Steve Fuller, Todd Fuller, David Kencke, Peter Kencke, Marianne (Kencke) Chernesky, and Becky (Cramer) DeWaal; as well as many other great nieces, nephews, cousins, their spouses, and close friends that will miss him and his wicked sense of humor.
In addition to his parents, Edgar (Mary Nelson) McKee, Sarah (Cotton) McKee, he was preceded in death by his sister, Alice (McKee) Fuller, as well as aunts, uncles, and one nephew.
Per Everett’s wishes, he has been cremated, and there will be no visitation or services.
Memorial contributions may be gifted to: L.A.S.S.I. (a nonprofit organization providing support for the Oceana County Animal Shelter), P.O. Box 160, Pentwater, MI 49449; the Crystal Valley Care Fund, P.O. Box 457, Hart, MI 49420; or the Alzheimer’s Association, Michigan Chapter, 25200 Telegraph Rd., Ste 100, Southfield, MI 48033-7443.
Harris Funeral Home, in Shelby, is assisting with arrangements.
www.harrisfhome.com
