Robert Ladell “Bob” McKee, 81, passed away peacefully at home Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, surrounded by the love of his family.
Bob was born Nov. 24, 1940, to Fred Lyman McKee and Vera (Mondy) McKee in Springfield.
Bob was a graduate of Central High School and Southwest Missouri State College (Missouri State University). In 1962, he married June (Parker) Lenger and they had two children, Teresa and Christopher. The family moved to Columbia, where Bob worked at MFA (Shelter Insurance Companies) as an underwriter. Bob went back to school at age 30 and graduated with a degree in photojournalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1972. He started work as a photographer and reporter for the Gasconade County Republican later that year. On Aug. 20, 1983, Bob married Caroline Jean (Jeanie) Schweer and they, along with daughters Cheryl and Christa, built a beautiful home and life together out on Bem Church Road.
Bob retired from the paper as an award-winning Managing Editor in 2007. He continued writing his beloved “Going South” column for several years after his retirement.
He was a member of the Masons, Owensville Lodge 624, where he served as Worshipful Master and for many years as treasurer. He was also a member of the Shriners, the Scottish Rite, and Widow’s Sons. Bob also belonged to the Owensville Gun Club and served for many years as a member of the Owensville Volunteer Fire Department.
Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping in Colorado, reading, traveling, and spending time with the grandkids on the four-wheeler.
He was preceded in death by parents Fred and Vera.
He is survived by loving wife Jeanie; children Teresa McKee (Edgar), Christopher McKee, Cheryl Stubblefield (Bryan), Christa Harmon (Jason); grandchildren William Stubblefield, Shayla Harmon (Kendall), Logine Pohlmann, Dylan Harmon, Parker McKee, Devyn Harmon, Connor McKee; great-grandson Reese Jacob; siblings Jack McKee (Katie), Don McKee (Karen), Rebecca McKee (Ben); numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends.
At Bob’s request, there will be no visitation and no service. His children will host a Celebration of Life at a later time. Until then, feel free to toast Bob with a glass of fine single-malt scotch whisky (or your beverage of choice) and send him on his final journey.
Memorials may be given to Shriners Hospital.
Arrangements entrusted to Gottenstroeter Funeral Home, Owensville.
