Calvin McKee 1923-2025
Charles “Calvin” McKee, 101, of Hiawatha, died Sunday evening, Aug. 17, 2025, at Amberwell Hiawatha where he had been a patient for a short time.
Calvin was born Oct. 3, 1923 to Nick and Elizabeth “Lizzy” Bindel McKee in Fairview. Calvin graduated from Powhattan High School in 1942. That year he met the love of his life, Juanita Floro, and they were married on Sept. 13, 1943. They were married 78 years before Juanita passed away in 2022.
Soon after Calvin and Juanita married, Calvin joined the Navy to serve in World War II. He was stationed at Glenview Air Base in Chicago. When the war ended, Calvin began farming in Powhattan. After farming and raising two daughters, Calvin sold the farm because of allergies and hay fever. He went to work at Hiawatha John Deere, where he was a valued employee for 38 years.
When Calvin and Juanita retired, they spent most of their time traveling by motorcycle and with their RV.
Calvin’s family knew Calvin loved to drive. He was still driving until his death. He and Juanita made two trips to Seattle, Wash., to visit Calvin’s sister after his 90th birthday.
Calvin was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita; his parents; and four siblings.
He is survived by his two daughters, Sharon (Bob) Hundley of Netawaka and Ruth (Ron) Randall of Bella Vista, Ark.; a brother, Keith (JoAnne) McKee of Salina; six grandchildren, Shelly Riedley, Jason Loftin, R. Ashton Hundley, Lizabeth White, Ryan Loftin and Matthew Hundley; 17 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren.
Celebration of Life Services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Bethany United Church of Christ. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services at the church. Pastor Shane Spangler will officiate. Inurnment and graveside services with military honors, courtesy of the Brown County Honor Guard, will follow at Mount Hope Cemetery in Hiawatha.
Friends may sign the register book at Chapel Oaks Funeral Home in Hiawatha during business hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 15-19.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Bethany United Church of Christ, which may be sent in care of Chapel Oaks Funeral Home, 124 S. Seventh St., Hiawatha, KS 66434. www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com
(PAID OBITUARY)
