Darrell McKee

Darrell Arnold McKee, Age 90, died peacefully at home on February 23, 2025. He was born on May 22, 1934, to Earl B. McKee and Genieve (Burkhart) McKee at home in Detroit. He spent most of his younger years growing up in various eastside neighborhoods and as a freshman, attended Denby High School. The following year his parents moved to Roseville where he later became a part of the graduating Roseville High School Class of ’52. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Gordon, GA, where he was a company clerk. Following his return from the Army, he went to work at the then East Detroit Schools serving as Warehouse Manager for 30 plus years.

As a young man of 17, he overcame polio and is a 60 year plus recovered alcoholic. He took up running after he quit drinking to fill the void and became an avid runner. He competed in 49 full marathons winning his age group in the Detroit International Marathon in 1992 and 1994. He was one of the initial runners in both Bobby Crim Special Olympics and the Roseville Big Bird Run completing 39 consecutive years in both. Some of the fondest memories were running the 1 Mile Big Bird with his grandson, Aidan Harris and running the Girls on the Run two times in Kalamazoo, MI with granddaughter, Claudia Holewinski. He also competed in 4 Boston Marathons and countless other 5K, 10K and half Marathons. He was able to travel to different towns and states to compete making new friends and competitors along the way and cherished them all.

He liked to reminisce about things from his childhood like family vacations in the summer at Houghton Lake. He witnessed the ending of World War II while there the summer of 1945 and told how everyone was celebrating. Bubble gum was rationed during the war and when the local sweet shop got some, the kids would line up and were given a few pieces each. He spent two summers working on his great-uncle’s farm in Armada, MI. He loved it because it got him out of the city. He saw the first lighted Tigers game. The Tigers winning the World Series in 1968 and 1984. Any time the Detroit Tigers or Detroit Lions win, it brought a smile to his face. Smoking an occasional cigar in the summer of course telling stories, his “Irish lies”. Eating his favorite birthday treat Strawberry Rhubarb Pie. His favorite song he never tired of was ME AND BOBBY MCGEE by JANIS JOPLIN. He was so proud of growing up in Roseville and of his Irish heritage.

He is survived by his wife of 41 years Ellen McKee, stepchildren Anthony Holewinski, Rebecca and spouse Vincent Harris, Sara and spouse Brian Broadt, nephew Clifford and spouse Connie McKee and many other grandnieces and nephews. Step grandchildren Aidan and Kael Harris, Jason Broadt and wife Cheryl, Zacharay Broadt, Marilyn Cole and spouse Josh, Claudia Holewinski.

He was predeceased by his parents Earl and Genieve McKee, Brothers and their spouses Dale and Julia McKee, Donald and Evelyn McKee, Daughter-in-Law Mary Beth Holewisnki. Nephews Dale McKee Jr, William McKee, David McKee, and Jack McKee. His three children Sheryl Lynn Lupo, Pamela McKee and son Todd McKee.

A special thank you to my neighbors Bob Boyd and Larry McGaughey for all the support and snow removal during this time. To Donna Kudela and the Staff of the Hearing Center for always treating us as family. To Shellie Clark his sitter who kept him company, became his friend, and listened to his stories sometimes many times over.

Services are entrusted to Kaul Funeral Home, 27830 Gratiot Avenue, Roseville, MI 48066. On Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 3PM until 8PM with a Service at 5PM.

Interment at Great Lakes National Cemetery, Holly, MI.

Family respectfully requests no flowers but instead consider a donation be made to Roseville/Eastpointe Recreation Center to the Connor McMahon Scholarship that assists families to send their children to summer camp. Contact Anthony Lipinski at [email protected], phone 586-445-5480.

A Celebration of Life for Darrell will be held later this spring.

Please share a memory with the family on Darrell’s online guestbook.