Tommie Byron McKee

Tommie McKee, also known as Tom McKee, was born in Rifle, Colorado. He grew up on a farm with plenty of hard work, shared with his older brother Lyman. Hunting and fishing were the only enjoyable activities allowed.

At 17 he enlisted in the Navy to see the world. He spent three years as electrician on the destroyer USS Buck protecting the Formosa Straight. He achieved the rank of PO Second Class.

For many years he worked as manager for Payless stores in the Bay Area. He then got interested in learning to be a Financial Advisor working for Mutual Benefit in a high-rise in San Francisco. In 1987 he moved to the Sacramento Area and continued in that profession,

He and his wife Elke opened a Montessori Preschool in Rocklin, and his focus became helping to make her dream come true. For 17 years he spent much time fixing things at the old schoolhouse on 5th Street. Hundreds of children and parents remember him as Mr. Tom. The children are now of the age to have their own children.

After moving to the Active Adults Community of Springfield at Whitney Oaks he made many friends playing golf. As some of his friends passed away, he collected their golf clubs and donated them to the Rocklin Highschool golf team. He also joined the “Honey Do” club in the community as he was very skillful at fixing almost everything. His kind and generous spirit will be missed.

He is survived by his wife Elke, his daughter Debbie Burner, her husband, Mike, brothers Lyman and Rocky (Jan), sister Judy, and grandchildren Megan, Garrett and Taylor, as well as 6 great- grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Heritage Oaks Memorial Chapel, 6920 Destiny Drive, Rocklin, CA 95677. Viewing at 10 am for family members – Service at 10:30 – Burial at 1 pm at Rocklin Cemetery, 4090 Kannasto St.. (on Rocklin Road, turn right at circle by the Finnish Temperance Hall and go to end of street.)

In lieu of flowers donations, can be made to the American Heart Association.