Darrell "Gabby" McKee

Darrell Andrew McKee "Gabby" was born December 22, 1955, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma to John Gabriel and his beloved mother Betty McKee. He grew up in a lively home with his three sisters Kanaiah, Thyla, and Sondra. His journey began in the close-knit community of Hulbert. Throughout his formative years, Darrell traversed various communities in Oklahoma, Colorado, and California. In his youth, Darrell was quite the athlete. From the fields to the mat where he excelled in football and showcased his talents in wrestling - Darrell's competitive spirit knew no bounds. Athleticism coursed through Darrell's veins, manifesting itself in his love for sports. Post-graduation, he embarked on a career path as a welder. For many years, Darrell dedicated himself professionally to the industry. He played a role in society, that showcased his strong work ethic and commitment.

In the tapestry of Darrell’s life one thread gleamed brighter than all others, the love that he had for his five children Preston, Mark, Jacob, Thyla, and Beth. They were the light of his life. Come summer, the kids would all come down to Oklahoma. Darrell anticipated the laughs, cookouts, river float trips as well as trips to the Murrell Home Park Nature Trails where they would spend the day together hiking, fishing, and making memories.

There were many facets to the man that Tahlequah knew as “Gabby”. As many know, he was a social butterfly that had never met a stranger. He was a man that could and would strike up a conversation with anyone about anything. As a Christian of faith, Darrell genuinely enjoyed people and was always there to talk to, to lend a smile or a helping hand, and to support his local community. In his free time, Darrell enjoyed playing darts, listening to classic rock music, and fishing. Darrell was an avid sports fan who supported all levels of teams from his OU Sooners and beyond. Some of his most cherished memories are spending time with his buddies in California and sharing fishing trips with his best friend and cousin “Blackie”Johnson. Travel also beckoned Darrell, offering opportunities to explore new places and create lasting memories like skydiving. However, it was in the company of his family, particularly his beloved grandchildren, where Darrell truly shone. His love for them was evident in every shared moment, and he cherished the laughter and joy they brought to his life.

Darrell left this earthly realm on Saturday, December 7, 2024. As we remember Darrell, we celebrate a man of integrity, passion, and immense love for his family. He shared his smile, his stories, his zest for life, and his love openly. He will be missed, and his legacy will continue to inspire all those fortunate enough to have known him.

Darrell is home now with his parents, John Gabriel and Betty McKee; two sons, Preston McKee and Mark McKee; one sister Sondra Martin; and his lifelong friend and cousin Blackie “Billy Ray Johnson”.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Jacob McKee and wife Oliva, Thyla McKee and partner Jake, Beth Ogle and husband Christopher; his sisters Thyla Albertson and husband Greg, and Kanaiah Justice; and his legacy will live on through his twenty grandchildren Evelyn, Tinsley, Eric, Arlene, Addy, Destiny, Preston, Marquis, Miracle, ShaViolet, Sophia, Merci, Heaven, Natalie, Dre, Emilio, Starla, Avery, Josiah, and Kasidie.

Darrell will be laid to rest in Swimmer Cemetery, Hulbert, Oklahoma.

Serving as pallbearers are Jacob McKee, Christopher Ogle, Marquis McKee, Preston McKee, Josiah Ogle and Eric Diver.