Dr. John Edson McKee

Dr. John Edson McKee, 77, passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2019 in the Wellness Unit at the Bridgewater Community. Ed was born on May 27, 1941 in Topeka, Kansas and was the son of Kathryn and the late George McKee. Ed grew up in Argentine, Kansas. He was an outstanding student, an Eagle Scout, and a tarp crew member for the Kansas City Athletics. He formed life-long friendships with other Argentine boys who referred to themselves as “The Mustangs.” Ed attended Kansas State Teacher’s College, joined the AKL fraternity, worked as a fireman on the Santa Fe RR to pay the bills, and graduated in 1961. He met his future wife Barbara while they were students. Ed taught high school drama and English and coached debate in Haysville, Kansas while working on his master’s degree in Counseling. After graduation, Ed was drafted and spent his military service at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Ed and Barbara were married in 1967 while he served in the army. After his discharge, they moved to Bloomington, Indiana where Ed attended Indiana University and earned his EdD, doctorate of Education. During their time in Bloomington, they were blessed with two children, Eric and Robin. After graduation, Ed was hired by JMU as a counselor educator and co-led the creation of JMU’s counseling program, now regarded as one of the best in the state. He retired in 2018 after over fifty years of teaching. After retirement, Ed found new exciting activities and interests to pursue. He became a wood turner and also began leading drum circles. He volunteered at the Boys and Girls Club, at Bridgewater Retirement Community, and Our Community Place. Ed is survived by: his wife of 51 years, Barbara; son, Eric Edson McKee and wife Janeth; grandson, Maxwell Edson; daughter, Robin McKee McGivern and husband, Nick; granddaughters, Cameron Elizabeth Poole, Allison McKee Poole; and grandsons Peter Robin McGivern and Patrick Michael McGivern. Also surviving are his mother, Kathryn McKee, his sisters Joyce Phelps and Marileen Kastl, and their families. A memorial celebration of love will be held Saturday, March 9th , 2019 at 10:00AM at Lindsey Funeral Home in Harrisonburg. There is no public viewing as his wishes were to be cremated. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ed’s memory to www.ourcommunityplace.org /donate or mailed to 17 East Johnson Street, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.lindseyharrisonburg.com