Jack McKee Obituary (1918 - 2014)

Jack McKee age 95 passed away peacefully surrounded by his family March 25, 2014 of natural causes. Jack was born December 7, 1918 to William Franklin and Minnie Gillman McKee in Vernal Utah. At the age of 12 his family moved to South Jordan leaving him to ride a saddle horse while leading two others from Vernal to their new home. He graduated from Jordan High class of 1938. He joined the Merchant Marines and served on an ammunition ship during WWII. Prior to and after the war he worked in Alaska, saving all his money to purchase his farm in South Jordan, where he resided the remainder of his life. He was a Union Carpenter serving as a superintendent for many major construction companies in the Salt Lake area before starting his own company, CAM Construction, with partner Jim Campbell. Jack's greatest joy in life came from his family. He had the ability to make everyone feel like they were his favorite. He took great pride in his farm especially his horses. He was known as a great teamster with his pulling horses. He had many champion teams throughout the years. He pulled horses as long as we can remember. Jack married Reta Palmer McKee on April 8, 1949 in Evanston Wy. Together they raised 9 children; Nola Dee Flangas, Kathleen (Roger) Powell, Larry (Renate) Osborne, Della (Brent) Backus, Jackie Olsen, Joe (Sally) McKee, Darla Cruz, Jill (Ken) Ashley, Clifta (Dan) Davis. Survived by 5 generations; 28 Grand, 56 Great, 9 Great-Great Grandchildren all of whom were his favorites with two additional on the way. Sisters; Mickie Baker, Faye Gajkowski, Coy Unker. Brothers; Glade and Bob McKee. Preceded in death by his wife, Reta, Parents, daughter LuRee, son-in-laws Ralph Olsen & George Flangas, siblings Jay, Laura and Rhea. Special thanks to St Marks Hospital for their excellent care and compassion, especially Dr. Scott Hacking, Dr. Amanda Wirth as well as Millcreek Home Care (Joannie, Ed, Curt and Craig). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at 11:00 AM at the Country Crossing Stake Center 10830 S. 3200 W. So. Jordan, Ut. Friends and family may call Friday, March 28, 2014 from 5-8 PM and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 AM at the Country Crossing Stake Center. Interment will be held at South Jordan Cemetery 10650 S. 1055 W. Funeral Directors Jenkins-Soffe South Valley. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com Funeral Home: Jenkins-Soffe South Valley 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway South Jordan, UT 84095