Dick McKee Richard "Dick" McKee, 86, 318 E. Ninth St., passed away at 7:55 a.m. Tuesday at Peabody Retirement Center, North Manchester. He was born in Rochester on Aug. 14, 1924, to George and Sarah Burns McKee. Growing up he shared his childhood with four sisters, Carol, Marilyn, Catherine, and Bettie and a brother John. In 1942, with great pride, he graduated from Akron High School. During his high school years as a Flyer, he was a basketball standout playing the post position leading his team in rebounding and as one of the Flyers leading scorers. An opportunity to serve our country and thoughts of adventure intrigued young Richard, so on Dec. 11, 1942, following in his father's footsteps, he and a school buddy, Bob Richardson, enlisted in the Coast Artillery during World War II. His father, Sgt. George McKee, served in the Coast Artillery during World War I. After finishing basic training in Fort Screven, Ga., Dick was assigned to the D Battery 53rd Coast Artillery at Fort Lauderdale, Fla. While there he was promoted to corporal. While waiting to go overseas, Richard and Bob became bored so they volunteered for the infantry and were sent to Camp Atterbury; which was closer to home. He was assigned to A company, 422 Regiment of the 106th Infantry Division. He was promoted to sergeant and was appointed as Assistant Squad Leader of the 1st Squad, 3rd Platoon. During his stint at Camp Atterbury, Dick had extensive infantry training. He qualified as an expert rifleman and was awarded the Combat Infantry Badge. On Oct. 18, 1944, the 106th left New York Harbor headed to Germany. Dec. 16, 1944, began the German attack, and on Dec. 19, 1944, Richard and the 106th surrendered to the Germans, which turned out to be the start of the Battle of the Bulge. On Feb. 14, 1945, over a two month span, Richard and the other POWs marched 465 miles across Germany in what was called the "Death March." After being a prisoner of war for four months, Richard and his buddy, Bob, escaped from the Germans and eventually returned to the United States. On Oct. 11, 1945, Richard was honorably discharged from the U.S. Army. He was decorated with the following awards: the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, and POW Medal. On June 30, 1949, Richard married the love of his life and his best friend, Mary Edith Alber, at Grace United Methodist Church. Their union spanned over 60 years producing two beautiful daughters, Cheryl and Jackie. The family tree flourished and added four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. As entrepreneurs with a keen sense of journalism, in 1958 Richard and Mary Edith co-founded, co-owned and published The Shopping Guide News. In 1983 they rolled the presses for the final time, retiring after serving Fulton County's needs for news and being in the know for 25 years. They also had owned and published the Akron-Mentone News for a number of years. Following retirement, Richard was at home spending many hours in his woodworking shop. It was here he created heirlooms and treasures for family and close friends. Being loaded with gifts and surprises, his woodshop was off limits during the holidays. Richard's woods of choice were oak, walnut and cherry. He built elaborate hutches, curio cabinets, shelves, roll-top bread boxes and once a cherry jewelry box. He was awarded Grand Champion designation at the Fulton County 4-H Fair in the early 1990s for his very unique rocking goat. During his years he answered many calls for other custom creations including a few rocking pigs. Richard was a lifetime member of the Manitou Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 1343, Manitou Moose Lodge No. 1107 and LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36, all of Rochester. Dick is lovingly remembered by two daughters, Cheryl Brown and husband Jerry, Rochester, and Jacqueline Danhauser and husband David, Logansport; four grandchildren, Jennifer Utter and husband Randy, Rochester, Julie Brown, Rochester, Carmen Danhauser, Indiana University in Bloomington, and Kelsey Danhauser, University of Southern Indiana in Evansville; three great-grandchildren, Jalin Marie Utter, Ryan Utter, Austin Utter, all of Rochester; two sisters Carol Jones and companion Bill Hivey, Akron, and Marilyn Horton and husband Pete, Summerville, Ga.; and several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife on April 29, 2010; twin sisters, Catherine and Bettie McKee; and brother John Mckee. A celebration of the life of Mr. Richard "Dick" McKee is at 1 p.m. Friday in the Good Family Funeral Home, 1200 W. 18th St., Rochester, with the Rev. Junior Bose officiating. Friends may visit with the family from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. today and one hour prior to the service in the funeral home. He will be laid to eternal rest next to his beloved wife, Mary Edith, in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery. Military rites will be accorded by the LeRoy Shelton American Legion Post No. 36 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars No. 1343. Memorials may be made to the LeRoy Shelton American Legion. Electronic expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at goodfamily@rtcol.com.