Donald James McKee

     Donald James McKee was born on 20 December 1922 Napa County, California.¹ He was the son of Walton Cleaver McKee and Gladys Darragh Piercy. Donald and Elizabeth Atkinson were married 13 March 1955 Solano, California.² Donald James McKee died 17 August 2011, in Napa, Napa County, California at age 88 years, 7 months and 28 days.³

Donald James McKee passed away Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2011, of natural causes. He was 88.
Born on Dec. 20, 1922, in Napa, to Walter Cleaver McKee and Gladys Darragh Piercy, Donald (Don, Donny, D.J.) was brother to Jessie, Barbara, Nancy and half-brother to Mildred, Kenneth and Eleanor. Donald married Elizabeth Atkinson, (Betty) in 1955. They lived briefly in Sacramento, where they had their first child, and later moved to Napa.
Donald served in the U.S. Army from 1946-1947. Afterward, he was employed at Mare Island as a pipefitter, then at Solano Meat Packing Company for 25 years. He retired from Lucky Corporation. During these years, he enjoyed working in his garden, growing seasonal vegetables for the family table. He also coached little league softball for his children. After retirement, Donald enjoyed traveling with Betty, and was active in the senior physical fitness program at the Napa J.C. He won medals in their Senior Olympics program in 1997-’98. Donald also enjoyed regular luncheons with his friends and associates from the butcher industry, including Bob Riordan and Angelo Pardini.
He is survived by his eldest sister, Jessie Barbour of Sonoma, and children, James Copper McKee of Oklahoma, Leslie McKee-Macler (Ron), David McKee, of Napa, and Robin McKee-Cant (John) of Santa Rosa. Grandchildren include Olivia (Liv), Alex and Joseph.
Donald never met a stranger he didn’t like, and he had a kind word for everyone he knew.
A celebration of Donald’s life is being planned for Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, from 1:30 to 4 p.m., at a private location in Napa. Family friends are welcome and can call 707-364-0409 for details.
The family asks that contributions be made in lieu of florals to Napa Valley Hospice, Napa Valley Humane Society, and/or the Multiple Sclerosis Society. The family appreciates Napa Valley Hospice’s service and dedication.⁴