Donald B. McKee

With loving thoughts and great sorrow, the families announce the passing of Donald Benning McKee, 79, passed away July 27, 2011 at 11:15 a.m. in Leawood, Kansas. Brother William Lee McKee and his wife Barbara were with Don at the time of his death. The surviving identical twin brother, Ronald Benning McKee, had visited with Don four days earlier, but with Don's serious condition, they were past communication other than hugs and loving memories of the many great childhood years growing up together in Kansas City, Missouri with loving parents, Paul and Frances McKee. Both Don and Ron McKee sensed as early as the 3rd grade at the John T. Hartman grade school in Kansas City, Missouri, that they wanted to make "Art" their career. Later, after graduating from Southwest High in 1949, Don and Ron attended one year at The Univeristy of Kansas City and one year at the Kansas City Art Institute. At this time, Don decided to marry Connie Best and after one year at the American Academy of Art in Chicago, both twins were drafted into the U.S. Army for two years as the Korean War ended and they were completing basic training. Don and Ron spent their two year career in the Army designing and silk screening recruiting posters for the Sixth Army at The Presidio, located near the Golden Gate Bridge. After the military service and discharge, Don and Connie decided to stay in San Francisco, where Don shortly thereafter was hired by Max Landphere Associates as a graphic designer. He produced many beautiful ads and brochures for advertising agencies and direct clients. Don ultimately started his own graphic design firm in San Francisco and branched out. With his creative mind, by 1960 he had developed a new concept in greeting cards, called "Cube Cards" which were mailed flat but the recipient of the greeting quickly and easily folded the scored-for-folding, brightly printed card into the cube shape, with the cheery message displayed on the sides and top. With his very sharp eye for design and color, Don also included a selection of regular greeting cards and with a move of his office and studio to San Raphael, California, he renamed his company "Joy Crafters". By 1973 he employed as many as 40 artists. In his many years as a successful graphic artist Don develped an "art path" uniquely his own. He recognized the truth in a famous quote that "Art is long and time is fleeting." With his dedicated art skills and gentlemanly manner he empowered others to multiply their own artistic talents. In addition to his two brothers, Don is survived by his daughters Laura McKee and Dayna Kathleen McKee, his son Andrew McKee, grandson, Connor and loving nieces and nephews. Don's former wives Connie Anderson and Gayle Starr also survive him. Don was blessed with a very full life and he will be missed by all whose lives he touched. Visitation will be from 12:00-1:00 p.m. followed by memorial service at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, August 13, at Mt. Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri. Private inurnment in Mt. Moriah Cemetery. Condolences may be offered at www.mtmoriah-freeman.com. Arrangements under the direction of Mount Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home, Kansas City, MO.