Robert Lee McKee

Robert Lee McKee, 77, of Valley Center, California, passed away on May 24, 2026. Born June 25, 1948, Robert will be remembered as a God-fearing man whose faith in the Lord shaped the way he lived—steadfast in service, consistent in character, and guided by integrity, kindness, and respect for others.

Robert spent his early childhood in San Bernardino, California, raised alongside his siblings on his grandmother’s property. His mother worked tirelessly, often under financial strain, to ensure her children were cared for. From an early age, Robert understood hardship firsthand. There were days he hesitated to go to school because he knew his family had far less than many classmates. Cardboard sometimes lined the soles of his shoes to cover holes, and his lunches were often simpler than others. Yet even in those seasons, he carried himself with determination and resilience—qualities that remained evident throughout his life.

After attending elementary school in San Bernardino, Robert later moved to the Perris, California, area and lived on a farm, where he developed a lasting love of animals, especially chickens. He also enjoyed time at Fairmount Park, a place that brought him peace and rest.

On May 20, 1969, Robert was drafted into the United States Army and deployed to Vietnam. While overseas, he received a Red Cross message bearing devastating news: his brother had suffered an aneurysm and passed away, and Robert was called home.

Following his military service, Robert worked several jobs before finding his calling with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He began at the California Rehabilitation Center (CRC) in Norco, California, and later transferred to San Diego, CA, where he served faithfully for the remainder of his career. Robert served as a California Correctional Peace Officer from 1974 until retiring in 2004, completing 30 years as a sworn Peace Officer. It was during this chapter of life that he met the love of his life and began a new season of purpose and devotion.

Robert married Regina McKee on December 14, 1996, in Lake Tahoe. He was the proud father of six children: Janine Brandon of Flint Michigan, Eric Butcher of Ca, Robert McKee Jr. of Ca, Ritcheon McKee of Ca., Reginald McKee of Ca., and Ryan L. Mckee of Ca. Robert loved spending time with his kids during the holidays, especially because he could count on a visit, and he truly enjoyed celebrating birthdays—near or far—because they always brought a smile to his face.

Robert’s love of life showed in the things that brought him joy. He loved Christian, Jazz, and Old School R & B—what he called “good Music.” He enjoyed deejaying, working on cars, and working on his bike. He especially loved riding his Honda Goldwing motorcycle, fully dressed with hand-painted gold detail, traveling throughout the United States with his close, “crazy and adventurous” buddies, the Williams and Porras’s. He also treasured date nights with close friends, playing trivia games and “Name That Tune”—and he was good. Even UNO could turn into laughter, because he could never quite catch on.

A faithful servant in his church, Robert participated in church food drives and the Sunday Usher Ministry. He volunteered annually with the Bill Glass Behind the Walls Ministry Days of Champions event, riding his motorcycle in and out of California prisons to share the Gospel. He also periodically rode his bike to breakfast with retired coworkers from the California Correctional Peace Officers Association, valuing fellowship and the bonds built over years of shared work and service.

Early in his marriage, Robert embraced biblical principles of stewardship and financial responsibility. Through a Christian-based financial class and the guidance of his church community, he learned to manage resources wisely and to pay forward the blessings he received. With diligence, discipline, and trust in God’s provision, he lived within his means and planned thoughtfully, retiring with peace of mind, knowing he had cared responsibly for what had been entrusted to him.

The family expresses deep gratitude for the many friends who loved and supported Robert through the years, and for the meaningful fellowship shared with like-minded couples who valued faith and community. With heartfelt thanks, they acknowledge Pastor Mike and Jo’ Anna Williams; Tony and Alma Porras; Pastor Mike and Debbie Salani; and Jerry Ahrens for their friendship, encouragement, laughter, and steadfast support. The family is also deeply thankful for their church families from Christian Worship Center to Arise Christian Church, whose prayers and care carried them through both joyful and difficult seasons.

Visitation will be held at McLeod Mortuary, 1919 East Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027, on June 9, 2026, from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A Committal Service will be held at McLeod Mortuary, 1919 East Valley Pkwy, Escondido, CA 92027, on June 10, 2026, from 2:15 pm to 2:45 pm.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.” — 1Corinthians 13:4-5

“Be kind and be patient. Kindness goes a long way.” — Robert