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Russell Dean McKee
Russell Dean McKee, 81, of North Buffalo Township, graduated to Heaven on July
30, 2016, at home with family.
Dean was born October 19, 1934, in West Franklin Township , a son of Thomas
Clifford & Ethel (Wagner) McKee and grew up on the family dairy farm.
He was a 1952 graduate from Worthington-West Franklin High School, Worthington,
Pa.
After high school, Dean pursued a degree in Bible at Bob Jones University in
Greenville, SC, graduated in 1956 and became an ordained minister. He spent time
in California before returning to Pennsylvania, where he served as a pastor and
also learned the excavating business.
In 1962, Dean started his own excavating business, which he operated until early
2016. During that time, he also served as pastor of Calvary Bible Chapel and
Homewood Baptist Church (both in Bethel Township) and as president of Ford City
Cemetery Association.
Dean was well known in the community for his wisdom as a pastor, his reputation
for sacrificial service and charity to others in need and his inexhaustible work
ethic. As a Christian, he was a living model of Matthew 5:39-42 by always doing
much more than what was asked.
Dean served in his church in various capacities throughout his life, beginning
at Franklin Union Baptist Church; then at Calvary Bible Chapel, North Buffalo
Grace Brethren Church, Homewood Baptist Church; and finally at Harvest Baptist
Church.
Dean modeled his Christian faith to his children, grandchildren and
great-grandchildren. The memory of his quiet sacrificial love, uplifting humor,
gentle kindness will be treasured by each member of his family as a perpetual
legacy. Also, Dean will be remembered for enjoying polka, motorcycles,
basketball and westerns.
He is survived by his four children, Timothy P. McKee (wife, Christine) of Evans
City, Carla D. Hadden (husband, Timothy) of Kittanning, Jonathan D. McKee (wife,
Judy) of Kittanning and Darla R. Romig (husband, Thomas) of Kittanning; five
grandchildren, Brett A. Johns (wife, Bobbi), Brooke D. Sims (husband, Jason),
Shannon H. McKee, Carley W. Weigel and Kayla S. Weigel; and four
great-grandchildren, Gabrielle Sims, Brettlyn Johns, Jaden Sims and Maeleigh
Sims; five siblings, Violet Ray (husband, Perry), T. Craig McKee, James McKee
(wife, Luana), Marilyn Elder (husband, Robert) and Jack McKee (wife, Judy).
Dean was preceded in death by his parents. Dean was married to the late Shirley
Mae (Toy) McKee, his beloved wife of 57 years, who preceded him in death on
November 7, 2015.
Visitation will be from 2-4 and 7-9 pm on Tuesday, August 2, and on Wednesday,
August 3, from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the F. DUANE SNYDER FUNERAL HOME in
Worthington, PA. Additional visitation will be held from 9 until the time of
services at 10 am at Franklin Union Baptist Church with Pastor Kurt Skelly,
formerly of Harvest Baptist Church, Natrona Heights, officiating.
A committal service and burial will follow at Ford City Cemetery, Ford City,
Pa.
Arrangements by F. Duane Snyder Funeral Home, Worthington, Pa. |
