Grandpa McKee

Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, DeVon Jay McKee, age 86, passed away in the comfort of his home on the beautiful spring morning of April 5. He was born Oct. 17, 1922, in Tridell, to Joseph Ray and Viola Ruth McConkie McKee.

DeVon grew up in Tridell and lived most of his life there. He attended Tridell School and Alterra High School. DeVon served as a military policeman in the Marine Corps during World War II. While on furlough from his military duty in Hawaii, DeVon married his sweetheart, Lorna Ross, on June 26, 1946, in the Salt Lake Temple. He was discharged from the Marines in Jan. 1947, after which he and Lorna returned to Tridell to make their home. He worked in the timber business and with Lorna gradually began to acquire his farm and raise his nine children.

He enjoyed his family and working in the fields with his sons and grandsons. He worked hard and was happy being a farmer and making the land productive. He lived a good life.DeVon was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he fulfilled many church callings. He was a great leader. He contributed much to the missionary efforts through his service in the Uintah Basin Indian Mission, the 97th Quorum of 70’s, and later, with Lorna in the Colorado Denver South Mission. DeVon and Lorna were grateful for the opportunity to serve as ordinance workers following the dedication of the Vernal Temple.For many years, DeVon contributed much to the community of Tridell. He served on various water boards and many other community and civic committees. DeVon’s wife, Lorna, passed away March 6, 1999.

A year later, DeVon renewed his friendship with his good high school friend, Marjorie Wiscombe. After a short courtship, they married Sept. 2, 2000, in the Bountiful Temple. They were later sealed at the Bountiful Temple Dec.1, 2001. DeVon is survived by his wife, Marjorie, Clearfield; children, Douglas D (Verna) McKee, Tridell, Eileen (Lane) Davis, South Jordan, Ralph R. (Maxine) McKee, Tridell, Michael J. (Karen) McKee, Tridell, Sherrie (Lon) Brinkerhoff, Maeser, Morris Ray (Kirsten) McKee, Tridell, Phyllis (Michael) Hall, Layton, Janet (Neil) Bartlett, Maeser, Darwin L. (Merrilli) McKee, Duchesne, Ray (Loidene) Natani, Tridell; 70 grandchildren; 63 great-grandchildren; sister, Verda (Melvin) Kitchen, American Fork; half brother, Bill (Connie) McKee, Sandy; and half-sister, Sara (Ralph) Bowen, West Jordan.He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lorna; granddaughter, Rachael McKee; brothers and sister, Loren, Newell, Reed, Duane McKee and Veda Gray; half-brother, Clayton McKee.Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., April 11, at the Tridell LDS Chapel. Viewings will be held from 6-8 p.m., April 10, and from 9-10:45 a.m. April 11, at the Lindquist-Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road, Layton.Burial will be in the Tridell Cemetery with Military honors provided by the American Legion. Services under direction of the Hullinger Mortuary. Condolences may be sent and viewed at www.hullingermortuary.com