Don (Buzz) Willard McKee Jr. of Caulfield died peacefully at home on November 16th 2024. He was born on July 22, 1959 in Greeley, Colorado to Don and Alice McKee.
As an infant his family moved to Caulfield Missouri and later began the 77 Ranch Rodeo Company where he would help out with rodeos and often hauled the livestock back and forth for events. Shortly after graduating high school he bought land next to his parents ranch where he lived until his passing.
On October 3rd 1980 he married Sonja Johnston and 4 sons Jeremy, Colby, Lance and Drew blessed this union. He was one of the first employees at Bruce’s Hardwood Flooring now Armstrong Flooring in West Plains and he worked there until his health no longer permitted him. Buzz raised cattle his whole life and his sons followed in his footsteps, even towards the end of his life he liked to ride around the land looking at the herd.
Buzz is survived by sons Jeremy McKee and wife Kasey, Drew McKee and wife Kristen, five grandchildren Tate, Londyn, Hallie, Willow and Josie, one great granddaughter Brinley, brother J.D. McKee and wife Karen, sister Suzie Green and husband John, Uncle Steve McKee and wife Linda, and nephews Justin, Jason, Casey and Ty.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Don and Alice McKee and sons Colby and Lance McKee.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Friday, November 22, 2024 in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO. Officiating will be Wayne Stewart. Visitation will be Friday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to service time. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Marshall Cemetery and can be left at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.
