Vaughn Eugene McKee was born in Oakland, CA on April 27, 1938 to Donald Vaughn McKee and Eugenia Hayes.
He enlisted in the USAF at age 17 and worked as a mechanic on F4-C Phantom fighter jets in Amarillo, TX. He then joined the Amarillo Police department as a patrol officer.
When the Vietnam War began escalating, he knew his knowledge of the fighter jets was needed so he re-enlisted and was deployed to South Vietnam at Cam Rahn Bay. He returned to Sheppard AFB in Wichita Falls, TX where he remained a mechanics instructor until he retired from the military. He then owned and operated a successful full service gas station until the oil crisis hit; then enrolled at Midwestern State University where he obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He was employed by the Wichita County Appraisal District, Wise CAD, Ector CAD and then Lamb CAD, as Chief Appraiser until he retired.
Vaughn loved being outdoors. When his boys, Bill and Don, were growing up, he taught them to fish, work on cars, ride motorcycles, take care of the lawn, and water ski. A day at the lake, driving a boat for his family was one of his greatest joys in life. He also enjoyed long range motorcycle riding, always on the lookout for a twisty, scenic road. His cheerful attitude, big heart, and willingness to help anyone in need were evident to everyone who knew him. Some people called him Vaughn, some knew him as Mack, but he especially enjoyed being called PaPa by his grandchildren.
Vaughn developed several medical conditions tied to exposure to Agent Orange and Napalm during the defense of his country which contributed to his declining health.
Vaughn was preceded in death by his son, Donald Vaughn McKee.
He is survived by his son, William Edward McKee of Garland, TX; 4 grandchildren: Jamie Perea, Jeffrey McKee, James McKee and Clara McKee; along with eight great-grandchildren Noah, Samuel, Sophia, Joshua, Hannah, Owen, Lucy and Heidi.
His sense of adventure, his sacrifices, his simple way of living, and his love for family and friends will be Vaughn's legacy. We know he is in Heaven where his son, Don, was surely the first to greet him. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. What we don't know is who will now bring the Honey Baked Christmas ham.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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